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Palestinian Flag Protest Disrupts 9/11 Anniversary Subway Series Game
By Drooid · · How we work
Field Intrusion During the 25th-Anniversary Game
During the seventh inning of the Yankees-Mets Subway Series on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda attacks, a man entered the field waving a Palestinian flag. Security tackled him within seconds and escorted him off the field while the crowd reacted with chants of “USA!” and verbal insults. The incident occurred as Yankees pitcher Brent Headrick prepared to face Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor with the bases loaded, two outs and a 3-2 count, while New York led 5-2.
Memorial Ceremonies and Patriotic Performances
The game opened with a 30-minute ceremony honoring the 2001 attacks, featuring former Yankees—including Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada—on the field. Country singer Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA,” prompting roaring applause and additional “USA” chants.
Crowd and Security Response
Fans pelted the protester with beer cans after he was moved beyond the outfield wall. The couple who lost fathers in the attacks—Brielle Saracini and her husband Sean McGuire—threw the ceremonial first pitches, underscoring the personal significance of the memorial.
Game Outcome and Key Statistics
The Yankees maintained their lead and finished the game with a 6-4 victory over the Mets. At the time of the disruption the score was 5-2 in favor of New York.
Personal Reflections
“I remember just talking about anything and everything, and anything that kind of came through my mind that day, and you just made it so comfortable, and I remember just feeling normal for a day, which was hard to do,” — Brielle Saracini — Brielle Saracini
