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PHOTO COLLECTION: Election 2024 Debate America Watches

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Election 2024 Debate America Watches
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PHOTO COLLECTION: Election 2024 Debate America Watches

2024-09-11 13:39 Last Updated At:13:51

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Chris Covert, front right, from Leawood, Kan., watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a 97-year-old movie theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chris Covert, front right, from Leawood, Kan., watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a 97-year-old movie theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Aztec theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Aztec theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Abigail Denault watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Abigail Denault watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Douglas Frageorgia watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Dan's Place, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in West Greenwich, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Douglas Frageorgia watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Dan's Place, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in West Greenwich, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A pedestrian stops to watch a television across the street at Alley Cat showing the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A pedestrian stops to watch a television across the street at Alley Cat showing the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

An asylum-seeking migrant from Haiti who did not give her name out of fear, helps clean in the kitchen as the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris plays on a television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

An asylum-seeking migrant from Haiti who did not give her name out of fear, helps clean in the kitchen as the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris plays on a television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Democratic supporters watch the presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a gathering Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Democratic supporters watch the presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a gathering Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Attendees cheer and laugh as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump mentions Seattle during a debate against Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party at Massive, a queer nightclub, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Attendees cheer and laugh as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump mentions Seattle during a debate against Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party at Massive, a queer nightclub, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A supporter for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump displays his t-shirt during a watch party at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A supporter for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump displays his t-shirt during a watch party at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Teacher Elmire Desrouleaux of North Miami, center, reacts during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party organized by Democrats from Miami's Haitian-American community, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Randy's Restaurant & Lounge in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Teacher Elmire Desrouleaux of North Miami, center, reacts during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party organized by Democrats from Miami's Haitian-American community, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Randy's Restaurant & Lounge in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A full house packs One Longfellow Square to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A full house packs One Longfellow Square to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Tristan McPherson watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Tristan McPherson watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Ball State University students watch a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Ball State University students watch a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vincent Cervantes watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vincent Cervantes watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

From left; Vincent Raineri, 32, Jason Bradford, 32, and Dana Bartlett, 37, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the R Public House, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

From left; Vincent Raineri, 32, Jason Bradford, 32, and Dana Bartlett, 37, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the R Public House, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Vote buttons are displayed during a presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vote buttons are displayed during a presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Luther Henderson laughs as he watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Luther Henderson laughs as he watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

A figure of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sits above the bar at R Public House during the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A figure of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sits above the bar at R Public House during the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Natasha Salas, 63, from Highland, Ind., sports her pink and green t-shirt as she stands for a portrait outside the Knotty Luxe Bistro for an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority debate watch party Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Natasha Salas, 63, from Highland, Ind., sports her pink and green t-shirt as she stands for a portrait outside the Knotty Luxe Bistro for an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority debate watch party Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Christine Bell, left, 56, and Tara Correia, 56, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Taste Food & Wine, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Christine Bell, left, 56, and Tara Correia, 56, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Taste Food & Wine, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Sheena Carey laughs as she watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Sheena Carey laughs as she watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Charles Hudson, 76, from Chicago, watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Knotty Luxe Bistro, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Charles Hudson, 76, from Chicago, watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Knotty Luxe Bistro, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

More Images
Chris Covert, front right, from Leawood, Kan., watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a 97-year-old movie theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Aztec theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Aztec theater Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Abigail Denault watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Abigail Denault watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Douglas Frageorgia watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Dan's Place, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in West Greenwich, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Douglas Frageorgia watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Dan's Place, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in West Greenwich, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A pedestrian stops to watch a television across the street at Alley Cat showing the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A pedestrian stops to watch a television across the street at Alley Cat showing the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

An asylum-seeking migrant from Haiti who did not give her name out of fear, helps clean in the kitchen as the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris plays on a television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

An asylum-seeking migrant from Haiti who did not give her name out of fear, helps clean in the kitchen as the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris plays on a television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Democratic supporters watch the presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a gathering Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Democratic supporters watch the presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a gathering Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Attendees cheer and laugh as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump mentions Seattle during a debate against Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party at Massive, a queer nightclub, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Attendees cheer and laugh as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump mentions Seattle during a debate against Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party at Massive, a queer nightclub, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A supporter for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump displays his t-shirt during a watch party at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A supporter for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump displays his t-shirt during a watch party at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Teacher Elmire Desrouleaux of North Miami, center, reacts during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party organized by Democrats from Miami's Haitian-American community, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Randy's Restaurant & Lounge in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Teacher Elmire Desrouleaux of North Miami, center, reacts during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party organized by Democrats from Miami's Haitian-American community, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Randy's Restaurant & Lounge in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A full house packs One Longfellow Square to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A full house packs One Longfellow Square to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Tristan McPherson watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Tristan McPherson watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Ball State University students watch a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Ball State University students watch a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vincent Cervantes watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vincent Cervantes watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

From left; Vincent Raineri, 32, Jason Bradford, 32, and Dana Bartlett, 37, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the R Public House, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

From left; Vincent Raineri, 32, Jason Bradford, 32, and Dana Bartlett, 37, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the R Public House, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Vote buttons are displayed during a presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Vote buttons are displayed during a presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Luther Henderson laughs as he watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Luther Henderson laughs as he watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Muncie, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

A figure of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sits above the bar at R Public House during the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A figure of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sits above the bar at R Public House during the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Natasha Salas, 63, from Highland, Ind., sports her pink and green t-shirt as she stands for a portrait outside the Knotty Luxe Bistro for an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority debate watch party Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Natasha Salas, 63, from Highland, Ind., sports her pink and green t-shirt as she stands for a portrait outside the Knotty Luxe Bistro for an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority debate watch party Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Patrons at the Knotty Luxe Bistro watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on an outdoor television Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Christine Bell, left, 56, and Tara Correia, 56, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Taste Food & Wine, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Christine Bell, left, 56, and Tara Correia, 56, watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Taste Food & Wine, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Sheena Carey laughs as she watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Sheena Carey laughs as she watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Charles Hudson, 76, from Chicago, watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Knotty Luxe Bistro, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Charles Hudson, 76, from Chicago, watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Knotty Luxe Bistro, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Markham, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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A key employee who called the Titan unsafe testifies before the Coast Guard

2024-09-17 20:52 Last Updated At:21:00

A key employee who labeled an experimental submersible unsafe prior to its last, fatal voyage began his testimony Tuesday before U.S. Coast Guard investigators.

David Lochridge is one of the most anticipated witnesses to appear before a commission trying to determine what caused the Titan to implode en route to the wreckage of the Titanic last year, killing all five on board.

Lochridge is former operations director for OceanGate, the company that owned the Titan and brought it on several dives to the Titanic going back to 2021. He claimed several years ago that he was fired for raising safety concerns.

His testimony began a day after other witnesses painted a picture of a troubled company that was impatient to get its unconventionally designed craft into the water. The accident set off a worldwide debate about the future of private undersea exploration.

Among those killed was Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate. The company, based in Washington state, suspended its operations after the implosion.

OceanGate's former engineering director, Tony Nissen, kicked off Monday's testimony, telling investigators that he felt pressured to get the vessel ready to dive and refused to pilot it for a journey several years before Titan's last trip.

“‘I’m not getting in it,’” Nissen said he told Rush.

When asked if there was pressure to get Titan into the water, Nissen responded, “100%.”

But asked if he felt that the pressure compromised safety decisions and testing, Nissen paused, then replied, “No. And that’s a difficult question to answer, because given infinite time and infinite budget, you could do infinite testing.”

OceanGate's former finance and human resources director, Bonnie Carl, testified Monday that Lochridge had characterized the Titan as “unsafe.” Lochridge is expected to provide more perspective on what caused the implosion.

Coast Guard officials noted at the start of the hearing that the submersible had not been independently reviewed, as is standard practice. That and Titan's unusual design subjected it to scrutiny in the undersea exploration community.

During the submersible's final dive on June 18, 2023, the crew lost contact after an exchange of texts about the Titan's depth and weight as it descended. The support ship Polar Prince then sent repeated messages asking if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display.

One of the last messages from Titan’s crew to Polar Prince before the submersible imploded stated, “all good here,” according to a visual re-creation presented earlier in the hearing.

When the submersible was reported overdue, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to an area about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Wreckage of the Titan was subsequently found on the ocean floor about 330 yards (300 meters) off the bow of the Titanic, Coast Guard officials said.

Scheduled to appear later in the hearing are OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein and former scientific director, Steven Ross, according to a list compiled by the Coast Guard. Numerous guard officials, scientists, and government and industry officials are also expected to testify. The U.S. Coast Guard subpoenaed witnesses who were not government employees, said Coast Guard spokesperson Melissa Leake.

Among those not on the hearing witness list is Rush’s widow, Wendy Rush, the company’s communications director. Asked about her absence, Leake said the Coast Guard does not comment on the reasons for not calling specific individuals to a particular hearing during ongoing investigations. She said it’s common for a Marine Board of Investigation to “hold multiple hearing sessions or conduct additional witness depositions for complex cases.”

OceanGate has no full-time employees at this time but will be represented by an attorney during the hearing, the company said in a statement. The company said it has been fully cooperating with the Coast Guard and NTSB investigations since they began.

The time frame for the investigation was initially a year, but the inquiry has taken longer. The ongoing Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of marine casualty investigation conducted by the Coast Guard. When the hearing concludes, recommendations will be submitted to the Coast Guard’s commandant. The National Transportation Safety Board is also conducting an investigation.

Coast Guard's Thomas Whalen, left, speaks with Nicole Emmons, right, during a break for the Titan marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard's Thomas Whalen, left, speaks with Nicole Emmons, right, during a break for the Titan marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard's Thomas Whalen speaks with another Coast Guard member during a break for the Titan marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard's Thomas Whalen speaks with another Coast Guard member during a break for the Titan marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Jason Neubauer, board chairman, of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing pauses for a moment of silence inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Jason Neubauer, board chairman, of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing pauses for a moment of silence inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard members of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing pause for a moment of silence inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard members of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing pause for a moment of silence inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard members of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing take an oath inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Coast Guard members of the investigative board for the Titan marine board formal hearing take an oath inside the Charleston County Council Chambers Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

A key employee who called the Titan unsafe will testify before the Coast Guard

A key employee who called the Titan unsafe will testify before the Coast Guard

FILE - This undated image provided by OceanGate Expeditions in June 2021 shows the company's Titan submersible. (OceanGate Expeditions via AP, File)

FILE - This undated image provided by OceanGate Expeditions in June 2021 shows the company's Titan submersible. (OceanGate Expeditions via AP, File)

A key employee who called the Titan unsafe will testify before the Coast Guard

A key employee who called the Titan unsafe will testify before the Coast Guard

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