Reporting from the 9/11 memorial events in Lower Manhattan on Thursday morning, the Fox News correspondent shared on Fox & Friends that he had been diagnosed with cancer this year.

He told the morning trio of Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones that the toxic dust from that day has caused him to suffer from bronchitis and “also, cancer from the exposure that was diagnosed this year.” Shawn went on to say, “Back then, I remember thinking maybe 20, 30 years later, I will get something. Well, here it is 24 years.”

Choosing not to become the focal part of his reporting, Shawn pivoted, speaking about the many people in the U.S. who have suffered more than he has and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice stemming from the events of that day, including “those who served in our armed forces who went to Afghanistan, as well as everyone here. We are all in this together. I mean, we are all in this together.”

After the surprise revelation, the Fox & Friends co-hosts responded by acknowledging that they were unaware of his diagnosis, offering support and prayers.

Shawn was part of the network’s coverage at the time of the attacks. During Fox News’ remembrance coverage of the attacks in 2021, Shawn shared with his colleagues his recollection of that day, telling them that the first plane that hit the towers flew over his head.

He went on to say he quickly positioned himself close to the Twin Towers later on that day, saying, “I will forever remember the smell, the sights, the dust that was just overwhelming.” He added, “There was an acrid, metal taste and metal smell that permeated Manhattan. You couldn’t get rid of it, and that went on for weeks and weeks and months.”