Trump leads mourning as US pauses for 9/11 tribute

President Donald Trump led a national moment of silence on the anniversary of the 11 September terror attacks, his first commemoration of the solemn anniversary in office.

Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump observed a moment of silence at the White House on Monday in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed when hijackers flew planes into New York’s World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Trumps bowed their heads and placed their hands over their hearts as “Taps” was played on the South Lawn during the sombre ceremony with White House aides and other administration officials.

The morning remembrance was held at 8:46am, the time the first plane struck one of the Twin Towers.

Mr Trump and his wife also paid their respects at a Pentagon ceremony led by defence secretary Jim Mattis and General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.