Sen. Martha McSally commemorated the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by climbing up and down the steps of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
A former United States Air Force combat veteran, McSally decided to climb 2,071 steps, the same number that first responders climbed trying to save people in the World Trade Center.
The Arizona Republican has participated in the 9/11 Tower Challenge in Arizona previously, but she flew back to Washington on Monday when the congressional recess was over. That meant she was left out of the organization’s annual challenge because it only takes place in her home state.
“I was just reflecting how unfortunate it is that I’m here and not there,” McSally told the Washington Examiner. “So then I came up with the idea, ‘Hey, I have some stairs here at the southern Capitol.’ I did do it with them in spirit right here at the Capitol, and honor the fallen that way. And so it was a bit of a spontaneous decision.”
While she thought she would be going up and down the steps at the Capitol 46 times all by herself, she was also joined by Capitol Police officer Sgt. Gonell. He stayed after his shift with another officer, according to McSally, so they could honor the first responders with her.
Just completed the @911TwrChallenge with Sergeant Gonell of the @CapitolPolice. Thank you to ALL of our first responders who run towards problems every day — just like those who did on 9/11. We will never forget your bravery and your sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/OQtgdT39Ck
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) September 11, 2019
McSally said it took her about 45 minutes to complete the challenge, adding she was likely able to do it faster this time around because she was not doing it in a stadium with a large crowd, like in Arizona.
Reflecting on her memories of Sept. 11, 2001, McSally remembered that she was in south Iraq at the time of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.
“We had the news up in the operation center and we saw our real-time, you know, the first plane hitting the Twin Towers and then real-time seeing the second one fly in,” she said, describing the moment the attack happened. “I will tell you, I remember it very clearly. The anger that we all felt as warriors about the cowardice of these terrorists, that if they want to take on America, they should come fight us face-to-face. They should fight us, warrior-to-warrior. Don’t take the cowardly approach of attacking and killing innocent civilians that are going to work.”
While McSally was climbing the stairs of the Capitol, approximately 3,000 participants of the 9/11 Tower Challenge were doing the same at the University of Arizona Football Stadium, Gila River Arena, and the Northern Arizona University Walkup Skydome, and they raised $140,000 for the families who lost a loved one. Tuscon police officer and 9/11 Tower Challenge spokesman Rob Brandt told the Washington Examiner that the turnout for the Arizona event was the largest in its nine-year history, and that some people had to be turned away.
UPDATE: After publication, McSally clarified that she was in Saudi Arabia on 9/11 and not south Iraq.
