I think Lemongrass gave a perfect reply. While I don't know that situation, I do live two blocks from the World Trade Center and I have strong, negative feelings about disaster tourism.

I was repulsed by people taking photographs while the 9/11 body recovery was still going on, and by people purchasing "Ground Zero" baseball caps. I would suggest avoiding any photography, and I concur that you should be careful about asking questions of locals (I also suspect you don't need this advice simply because you are wise and caring enough to raise the question).

If you do make this trip, I'd be really interested in hearing how it goes.

Pam