DOCSLIB.ORG

Seventh Public Hearing of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States - Day Two

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Seventh Public Hearing of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States - Day Two SEVENTH PUBLIC HEARING OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON TERRORIST ATTACKS UPON THE UNITED STATES - DAY TWO SUBJECT: BORDERS, TRANSPORTATION, AND MANAGING RISK CHAIRED BY: THOMAS H. KEAN WITNESSES PANEL I: JANE F. GARVEY, FORMER ADMINISTRATOR, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION; CATHAL L. "IRISH" FLYNN, FORMER ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR OF CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION; CLAUDIO MANNO, ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR INTELLIGENCE, TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION; PANEL II: EDMOND L. SOLIDAY, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF SAFETY, QUALITY ASSURANCE, AND SECURITY, UNITED AIRLINES; ANDREW P. STUDDERT, FORMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, UNITED AIRLINES; GERARD J. ARPEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AMERICAN AIRLINES; TIMOTHY J. AHERN, VICE PRESIDENT - DFW HUB, AND FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF SAFETY, SECURITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL, AMERICAN AIRLINES; PANEL III: NYDIA GONZALEZ, MANAGER, SOUTHEAST RESERVATION CENTER, AMERICAN AIRLINES; PANEL IV: JAMES M. LOY, DEPUTY SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY LOCATION: 216 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME: 9:00 A.M. EST DATE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2004 1 MR. THOMAS H. KEAN: I'd like to call the hearing to order. First I would like to enter into the record a statement on aviation security by Carol Ashley. Ms. Ashley is a member of the Family Steering Committee and if there's no objection, so ordered. Yesterday we heard testimony about how the 9/11 terrorists were able to circumvent the border controls the United States had in place at the time. Today, we will look at what confronted them in the final stage of their mission of mass murder: the American civil aviation security system as it existed in early September 2001. Both yesterday and today we looked at the system's vulnerabilities. We will start by examining two of the most important components of that system, the Federal Aviation Administration that regulated it and the airlines which had the responsibility of implementing some of its key elements. Our witnesses will be expected to shed some light not only on the systematic issues but on specifics of the 9/11 hijackings themselves. After these panels, we'll hear about one of the real heroes of Flight 11, Flight 11 attendant Betty Ong, from who's work on that day reflects well on her professionalism -- from another, rather, who's work on that day reflects well on her professionalism and her humanity, Ms. Nydia Gonzales. We will conclude with testimony from Admiral James Loy, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and formerly head of the Transportation Security Administration as well as commandant of the Coast Guard. We will focus on one key question with Admiral Loy, how do we, or should we, determine our priorities for homeland security, especially in the transportation sector. In order to provide commissioners and the listening public with context for the testimony we are about to receive, we will once again begin by hearing from the 9/11 Commission staff and what it has learned to date relevant to today's proceedings. I would caution our listeners to bear in mind that this statement is still a work in progress. It addresses the various civil aviation defense layers and how the hijackers beat them in gaining entry to the aircraft. The Commission staff will present a second staff statement immediately preceding Ms. Gonzales’ testimony. That statement will take up the story of the four hijacked flights. It too is a preliminary report, making public what our staff has learned to the present time. I want to caution our audience, especially the families and friends of the victims of 9/11, that today we will 2 be presenting a number of the harrowing facts, sights, and sounds of that particular day. On another note, today's session will not focus on the situational awareness of air traffic control system and the Department of Defense including NORAD. The Commission will deal with that important topic in another public hearing, this spring. I would like to call on Mr. Zelikow, executive director of the Commission, Mr. John Raidt and Mr. William Johnstone, who will present the statement of the Commission staff. MR. PHILIP D. ZELIKOW: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members of the Commission, working with you, your staff has developed initial findings on how the individuals who carried out the 9/11 attacks defeated the civil aviation security system of the United States. We continue our investigation into the status of civil aviation security today and for the future. These findings and judgments may help your conduct of today's public hearing and will inform the development of your recommendations. The findings and judgments we report today are the results of the work so far. We remain ready to revise our understanding of these topics as our work continues. This staff statement represents the collective effort of the staff team on aviation and transportation security. Our staff was able to build upon investigative work that has been conducted by various agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration is fully cooperating with our investigators, as are the relevant airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration. I'd now like to turn to John Raidt to continue. MR. JOHN RAIDT: Thank you, Philip. Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission, before September 11th, 2001 the aviation security system had been enjoying a period of relative peace. No U.S. flagged aircraft had been bombed or hijacked in over a decade. Domestic hijacking in particular seemed like a thing of the past, something that could only happen to foreign airlines that were less well protected. The public's own threat assessment before September 11th was sanguine about commercial aviation safety and security. In a Fox News opinion dynamic survey conducted at the end of the 1990s, 78 percent cited poor maintenance as a greater threat 3 to airline safety than terrorism. The demand for airline service was strong and was beginning to exceed the capacity of the system. Heeding constituents calls for improved air service and increased capacity, Congress focused its legislative and oversight attention on measures to address these problems including a passenger bill of rights to ensure a more efficient and convenient passenger experience. The leadership of the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, also focused on safety, customer service, capacity and economic issues. The agency's security agenda was focused on efforts to implement a three-year-old congressional mandate to deploy explosive detection equipment at all major airports and complete a nearly five-year-old rule-making effort to improve checkpoint screening. This staff statement will not address certain security performance issues leading up to 9/11 at the airports from which the hijackers' planes departed. Such work is still ongoing. It should be noted that the airports themselves did not have operational or enforcement jurisdiction over checkpoint screening operations, passenger pre-screening and checkpoint screening, based on regulations from the FAA these were the responsibility of the air carriers. Nevertheless, airport authorities do play a key role in the overall civil aviation security system. Before September 11th, federal law required the FAA to set and enforce aviation security policies and regulations that would quote, "Protect passengers and property on an aircraft operating an air transportation or intrastate air transportation against an act of criminal violence or aircraft piracy." This layered system, one that recognized that no single security measure was flawless or impenetrable, was designed to provide a greater number of opportunities to foil those intending to do such violence. The civil aviation security system in place on September 11th was composed of seven layers of defense including: Intelligence, passenger pre-screening, airport access control, passenger checkpoint screening, passenger check baggage screening, cargo screening and onboard security. The civil aviation security system in place on September 11th no longer exists. We will document serious shortcomings in that system's design and implementation that made the 9/11 hijackings possible. We want to make clear that our findings of specific vulnerabilities and shortcomings do not necessarily apply to the current system. Two of the layers of defense, checked baggage screening and cargo screening are not relevant to the 9/11 plot, 4 they are not addressed in this statement. A third layer, airport access control is still under investigation and also will not be addressed in detail here. Compelling evidence, including video tape of hijackers entering through checkpoint screening stations, suggest that the hijackers gained access to the aircraft on September 11th through passenger checkpoints. What we do know is that the hijackers successfully evaded or defeated the remaining four layers of the security system. We approached the question of how the aviation security system failed on September 11th by starting from the perspective of the enemy, asking: What did al Qaeda have to do to complete its mission? Sometime during the late 1990s the al Qaeda leadership made the decision to hijack large commercial multi-engine aircraft and use them as a devastating weapon, as opposed to hijacking a commercial aircraft for use as a bargaining tool. To carry out that decision required unique skill sets. Among them, terrorists trained as pilots with specialized skill and confidence to successfully fly a large multi-engine aircraft already airborne into selected targets; tactics, techniques and procedures to successfully conduct in-flight hijacking; and three, operatives willing to die. To our knowledge, 9/11 was the first time in history that terrorists actually piloted a commercial jetliner in a terrorist operation. This was new. This could not happen overnight and would require long term planning and sequenced operational training. The terrorists had to determine the tactics and techniques needed to succeed and hijack an aircraft within the United States.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Impact, Action, Remembrance Table of Contents
    9/11 in Massachusetts: Impact, Action, Remembrance Table of Contents Page 02 - Voiceover Script 1. Intro – Start 00:00 – Duration 1:00 2. The Attacks – Start 01:00 – Duration 2:43 3. Local Heroes – Start 03:43 – Duration 1:07 4. Rescue Efforts – Start 05:50 – Duration 1:11 5. The Aftermath – Start 07:01 – Duration 2:07 6. Assistance for the Survivors – Start 09:08 – Duration 1:52 7. Local Memorials – Start 11:00 – Duration 2:50 8. Massachusetts 9/11 Victims – Start 13:50 – Duration 8:08 Page 06 - Massachusetts 9/11 Victims List Page 09 - Works Cited Page Page 11 - Proposed Questions by Section Page 12 - Homework Ideas Page 13 – Source Materials 9/11 in Massachusetts: Impact, Action, Remembrance Page 2 of 17 Voiceover script Intro – Start 00:00 – Duration 1:00 9/11 was the single deadliest terrorist attack in human history, and it took place right here on US soil. Nearly 3,000 people, representing 90 different countries, lost their lives that day. These victims were business men and women, vacation-goers, and loved ones heading from the east coast to California to visit friends and family. What started out as a beautiful Fall day on the east coast in the United States with thousands of commuters heading to work and going about their everyday lives, ended in tragedy and sorrow, leaving behind a permanent scar that would change all our lives forever. The events of 9/11 affected our entire country on a grand scale both economically and culturally. But Massachusetts was a part of this day, from the attacks to the impact.
    [Show full text]
  • 9/11 Report”), July 2, 2004, Pp
    Final FM.1pp 7/17/04 5:25 PM Page i THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT Final FM.1pp 7/17/04 5:25 PM Page v CONTENTS List of Illustrations and Tables ix Member List xi Staff List xiii–xiv Preface xv 1. “WE HAVE SOME PLANES” 1 1.1 Inside the Four Flights 1 1.2 Improvising a Homeland Defense 14 1.3 National Crisis Management 35 2. THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEW TERRORISM 47 2.1 A Declaration of War 47 2.2 Bin Ladin’s Appeal in the Islamic World 48 2.3 The Rise of Bin Ladin and al Qaeda (1988–1992) 55 2.4 Building an Organization, Declaring War on the United States (1992–1996) 59 2.5 Al Qaeda’s Renewal in Afghanistan (1996–1998) 63 3. COUNTERTERRORISM EVOLVES 71 3.1 From the Old Terrorism to the New: The First World Trade Center Bombing 71 3.2 Adaptation—and Nonadaptation— ...in the Law Enforcement Community 73 3.3 . and in the Federal Aviation Administration 82 3.4 . and in the Intelligence Community 86 v Final FM.1pp 7/17/04 5:25 PM Page vi 3.5 . and in the State Department and the Defense Department 93 3.6 . and in the White House 98 3.7 . and in the Congress 102 4. RESPONSES TO AL QAEDA’S INITIAL ASSAULTS 108 4.1 Before the Bombings in Kenya and Tanzania 108 4.2 Crisis:August 1998 115 4.3 Diplomacy 121 4.4 Covert Action 126 4.5 Searching for Fresh Options 134 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Documents Requested by Commission Staffer Thomas Eldridge How Fbi Determined the 19 Hijackers's Identities Responsive !Ellaneous
    DOCUMENTS REQUESTED BY COMMISSION STAFFER THOMAS ELDRIDGE HOW FBI DETERMINED THE 19 HIJACKERS'S IDENTITIES RESPONSIVE to MI! !ELLANEOUS REQUEST #43 from COMMISSION COMMISSION COPY PENTTBOM Travel Documents Travel documents provided by U.S. Immigration, U.S. Customs and Department of State identifying the hijackers requesting entry to .the United States and entering the United States. A copy of all available travel documents such as visa applications, photocopies of available passports, I-94's and Customs forms were previously provided to the "Commission." The travel documents of the hijackers have also been scanned into the "Concordance" system. Hijacked Flights Identified names of all individuals onboard the four hijacked flights using flight manifests. (Flight manifests for hijacked flights scanned into "Concordance" and information related to manifests can be located on ACS, 315N-NY-280350-302, Serial 7134. Note: information concerning Saeed Alghamdi in Serial 7134 is incorrect.) American Airlines Flight 11, Flight Attendants Betty Ong and Madeline (Amy) Sweeney contacted American Airlines via phone and identified the seat numbers assigned to the hijackers: Betty Ong identified hijackers in seats 2A, 2B and 10B; Seat 2A was assigned to Wail Al-Shehri Seat 2B was assigned to Waleed Al-Shehri Seat 10B was assigned to Satam Al-Suqami Madeline (Amy) Sweeney identified hijackers as being in seats 10B, 9C or 9D and 9G; Seat 9C unoccupied (note that Mohamed Atta was assigned seat 8D) Seat 9D unoccupied (note that Abdul Aziz Alomari was in seat 8G) Seat 10B was assigned to Satam Al-Suqami (ACS 315-NY-280350-CE 1021 and 302-57614) Obtained identifying information from the airline passenger name records and flight booking information.
    [Show full text]
  • The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund Hosts 14Th Annual Commemoration
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Amelia Sutton [email protected] 781-561-5660 (cell) **IMPORTANT MEDIA CREDENTIAL INFORMATION** All media looking to film or attend the services at the State House (on the front steps and inside the Chamber) MUST be credentialed through the Massachusetts State House. For those without existing credentials FOR THE FRONT STEPS, please email Amelia Sutton at [email protected] by Wednesday, September 4, 2015 to receive special one-day credentials. Media without the proper credentials will not be admitted access to the front steps of the State House. The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund Hosts 14th Annual Commemoration Official Day of Remembrance to Take Place at the Boston Public Garden and Massachusetts State House on Friday, September 11, 2015 (September 1, 2015; Boston MA) For the 14th consecutive year, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund hosts the state’s official commemoration for those with ties to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Whether they were aboard the hijacked planes (two of which originated at Logan), a NYC firefighter, or in one of the World Trade Center towers, the individuals who lost their lives are remembered and honored every year by family members and dignitaries at a three-part morning service at the Boston Public Garden and the Massachusetts State House. New in 2015 The day of remembrance begins at 7:30 AM at the newly refurbished 9/11 Memorial and Garden of Remembrance in the Boston Public Garden. Eleven years after its installation in 2004, the pink granite memorial underwent extensive refurbishment in August in preparation for the 14th anniversary.
    [Show full text]
  • Willard M. Oliver, Phd Nancy E. Marion, Phd Joshua B. Hill
    © Jones & Bartlett Learning LLC, an Ascend Learning Company. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & BartlettINTRODUCTION Learning, LLC TO© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © JonesSECOND & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOTEDITION FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Willard M. Oliver, PhD Sam Houston State University © Jones & BartlettNancy Learning, E. Marion, LLC PhD © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC Associate Chair of the Department of Political Science, University of Akron NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Joshua B. Hill, PhD Assistant Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT
    [Show full text]
  • FALL and RISE: the Story of 9/11
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kate D’Esmond (212) 207-7362 / [email protected] “The horror and heroism of 9/11 are brought to life in this panoramic history. ... The result is a superb, harrowing retelling of this most dramatic of stories.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review “A meticulously delineated, detailed, graphic history of the events of 9/11 in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. ... Despite the story’s sprawling cast, which could have sabotaged a book by a less-skilled author, Zuckoff ably handles all of the complexities. ... [A]s contemporary history, Fall and Rise is a clear and moving success.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review FALL AND RISE: The Story of 9/11 by Mitchell Zuckoff #1 New York Times bestselling author Harper • on sale April 30, 2019 On the morning of September 11, 2001, bestselling author and journalist Mitchell Zuckoff was on book leave from the Boston Globe when his editor called: airplanes had struck the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack. Both planes that hit the towers had taken off from Boston’s Logan Airport. Zuckoff rushed to the newsroom. He wrote the lead story that appeared on Page One of the Globe the next day (see below), and for months after, Zuckoff wrote about the attacks, the perpetrators, the victims, and their families. So began an abiding commitment to the true story of that day, culminating here in FALL AND RISE: The Story of 9/11 (Harper; on sale April 30, 2019; $29.99). After years of meticulous reporting, Zuckoff, the bestselling author of 13 Hours, has written the first comprehensive nonfiction narrative of that terrible day.
    [Show full text]
  • Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
    Madeline Amy Sweeney 2021 Nomination Form Award for Civilian Bravery This form should be used only for recognition of acts of bravery performed from June 16, 2020- June 15, 2021 Name of Nominee (include middle initial): Date of Birth: Address: Telephone Number (include area code): Email: Employer (if applicable): For 14 years, Amy Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant. She lived in Acton, Massachusetts with her husband, Michael, and their two small children. On September 11, 2001, Amy Sweeney was working on American Airlines Flight 11, the first airplane hijacked and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. As the tragic fate of the airplane became clear, Amy Sweeney had the courage and bravery to contact the airline’s ground services crew to convey critical information about the hijackers on the plane that morning. It is for Amy Sweeney’s heroism, and the heroism and brave spirit of so many of the victims on September 11, 2001, that this award is created. Recipients of the “Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery” must demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, in an effort to save the life or lives of another in actual imminent danger. To be considered, the nomination must include: - This completed form; - Evidence of Massachusetts residency; - Names of two or more witnesses or individuals having personal knowledge of the facts surrounding the candidate’s extraordinary endeavor; - A detailed account of the nominee’s endeavor and a list of any public recognition the nominee has received. (This includes recognition or awards from any local, civic, religious, or other organizations as well as any press coverage of the event in which the candidate displayed exceptional bravery).
    [Show full text]
  • E.-Davidsson-Betrayal-Of-America.Pdf
    2 Elias Davidsson The Betrayal of America Revisiting the 9/11 Evidence • Comprehensive • Thorough • Verifiable • Modular • Devastating © Elias Davidsson, 2019 All Rights Reserved www.juscogens.org ISBN 9979-889-88-8 3 Before reading the book Reading this book may entail a risk. It may anger you. It may make you sad. It may shake some of your beliefs. It will undoubtedly raise questions. Whatever feelings it may cause in you, don’t blame the author. Feel free to communicate to him your impressions, point out deficiencies, mistakes of fact, flawed reasoning; ask questions; recommend improvements. You’ll reach him through his webpage aldeilis.net/english/contact/ Should you appreciate this book, please recommend it to your friends and colleagues. You can also make a donation through paypal.me/eliasdavidsson to support the author’s ongoing research. The author wishes you an informative, and exciting lecture. About the author Elias Davidsson was born in Palestine in 1941. His parents were German Jewish refugees/ immigrants. He settled in Iceland in 1962 and retired with his wife to Germany in 2008. His professional life was divided into two distinct periods. In the first period (1961-1983), he worked as a computer expert, partly with IBM. In the second period (1983-1999), he acted as music teacher, organist, choir master, arranger and composer. His works for musical education are used in numerous countries and are available commercially. In parallel to his professional life, Davidsson devoted substantial time to the struggle for peace and justice. He co-founded the Association Iceland-Palestine. The devastating effects of the economic sanctions imposed on the people of Iraq in the 1990s affected Davidsson profoundly.
    [Show full text]
  • 1.1 Inside the Four Flights
    SUBJECT TO CLASSIFICATION RE'VIEW CHAPTER ONE "WE HAVE SOME PLANES" Tuesday, September 11, 2001, dawned temperate and nearly cloudless in the eastern United States. Millions of men and women readied themselves for work. Some made their way to the Twin Towers, the signature structures of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Others went to the Pentagon, the world's largest office building. Across the Potomac river, the United States Congress was back in session. In Sarasota, Florida, President George W. Bush went for an early morning run. For those heading to an airport, weather conditions could not have been better for a safe and pleasant journey. Among the travelers were Mohamed Atta and Abdul Aziz al Omari, who arrived at the airport in Portland, Maine. 1.1 Inside the Four Flights Boarding the Flights Boston: American 11 and Ullited 175. Atta and a1 Omari boarded a 6:00a.m. flight from Portland to Boston's Logan International Airport.1 When he checked in for his flight to Boston, Atta was selected by a computerized prescreening system known as CAPPS created to identify passengers who should be subject to special security measures. Under security directives in place at the time, the only consequence of Atta's selection by CAPPS was that his checked bags were held off the plane until it was confirmed that he had boarded the aircraft. This did not hinder 2 Atta's plans. · Atta and Omari arrived in Boston at 6:45. Seven minutes later, Atta apparently took a call from Marwan al Shehhi, a longtime colleague who was at another terminal at Logan airport.
    [Show full text]
  • Entire Issue (PDF 2MB)
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 No. 145 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was by what was happening that we paused COMMEMORATING THE 18TH ANNI- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- to sing God Bless America. I remember VERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 pore (Mrs. TORRES of California). at least one person sobbing. It was a ATTACKS f day when people within that courtroom The SPEAKER pro tempore. The were faced with uncertainties unlike Chair recognizes the gentleman from DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO we had seen before, a day when all of Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 TEMPORE our first responders were challenged. minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- But allow me, please, for just a mo- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. fore the House the following commu- ment, to talk and say a few words Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the nication from the Speaker: about those who were there at the site 18th anniversary of September 11, 2001, of the Twin Towers. to reflect on the events of that fateful WASHINGTON, DC, We could see on television the cloud September 11, 2019. day and to honor the lives lost and the I hereby appoint the Honorable NORMA J. of dust as it started to emerge and set- heroes that united us. TORRES to act as Speaker pro tempore on tle, people rushing, bodies covered.
    [Show full text]
  • The 9/11 Commission Report
    Final1-4.4pp 7/17/04 9:12 AM Page 1 1 “WE HAVE SOME PLANES” Tuesday, September 11, 2001, dawned temperate and nearly cloudless in the eastern United States. Millions of men and women readied themselves for work. Some made their way to the Twin Towers, the signature structures of the World Trade Center complex in New York City.Others went to Arlington,Vir- ginia, to the Pentagon.Across the Potomac River, the United States Congress was back in session. At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, people began to line up for a White House tour. In Sarasota, Florida, President George W.Bush went for an early morning run. For those heading to an airport, weather conditions could not have been better for a safe and pleasant journey.Among the travelers were Mohamed Atta and Abdul Aziz al Omari, who arrived at the airport in Portland, Maine. 1.1 INSIDE THE FOUR FLIGHTS Boarding the Flights Boston:American 11 and United 175. Atta and Omari boarded a 6:00 A.M. flight from Portland to Boston’s Logan International Airport.1 When he checked in for his flight to Boston,Atta was selected by a com- puterized prescreening system known as CAPPS (Computer Assisted Passen- ger Prescreening System), created to identify passengers who should be subject to special security measures. Under security rules in place at the time, the only consequence of Atta’s selection by CAPPS was that his checked bags were held off the plane until it was confirmed that he had boarded the air- craft.
    [Show full text]
  • Administration Honors West Springfield Resident with Madeline Amy Sweeney Award - the Office of the Governor - Mass.Gov
    Administration Honors West Springfield Resident with Madeline Amy Sweeney Award - The Office of the Governor - Mass.Gov State Agencies State A-Z Topics Alert - No Active Alerts Skip to main content Need help resizing text? The official website of the Governor of Massachusetts Governor in Governor's Office Deval Patrick Legislation & The Administration Constituent Services Press Office Agenda Get Involved Executive Orders Home Press Office Press Releases DEVAL L. PATRICK For Immediate release - September 11, 2011 GOVERNOR TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION HONORS WEST SPRINGFIELD RESIDENT WITH MADELINE AMY SWEENEY AWARD Media Contact Lieutenant Governor Murray presents ninth annual award in memory of 9/11 hero, recognizes civilian bravery of mother who sacrificed life during recent tornado Alex Goldstein Heather Johnson BOSTON - Sunday, September 11, 2011 - As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's annual September 11 recognition of local Alec Loftus heroes, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray today posthumously honored Angelica Guerrero of West Springfield with the 617-725-4025 ninth annual Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery during a ceremony at the State House. Lauren Jones (LG) 617-372-6587 Angelica Guerrero died after shielding her 15 year old daughter Ibone in the bathtub of her family home in West Springfield as it collapsed during the tornadoes that struck western and central Massachusetts on June 1, 2011. Angelica is survived by her husband Juan Guerrero, and daughters Ibone and Fabiola, 19. Lieutenant Governor Murray presented the award to Angelica's husband, children, and other family members during today's ceremony. "Ten years ago, the nation came together as one, dedicated to service and selflessness following the tragic events of 9/11," said Governor Deval Patrick.
    [Show full text]