1 00:00:02,107 --> 00:00:03,952 Mtv. 2 00:00:03,961 --> 00:00:07,472 Narrator: September 11, 2001. 3 00:00:07,507 --> 00:00:12,272 The world stops as america is hit by a catastrophic attack. 4 00:00:12,347 --> 00:00:14,272 What I remember is crying. 5 00:00:14,307 --> 00:00:16,432 It was just so horrific. 6 00:00:16,507 --> 00:00:19,792 I just said to myself, I can't believe this is happening. 7 00:00:19,827 --> 00:00:22,679 Narrator: Almost 3,000 people die. 8 00:00:22,754 --> 00:00:24,912 Thousands more are injured. 9 00:00:24,947 --> 00:00:27,232 I mean, a number of americans were killed in this thing. 10 00:00:27,267 --> 00:00:28,992 It was horrific. 11 00:00:29,001 --> 00:00:32,072 Narrator: How could a terror attack of this scale happen? 12 00:00:32,147 --> 00:00:34,672 You start to wonder, where was the ball dropped? 13 00:00:34,681 --> 00:00:36,519 Our intelligence community had never 14 00:00:36,594 --> 00:00:40,912 Conceived that hijackers would use the plane as a missile. 15 00:00:40,947 --> 00:00:43,272 Narrator: Now, through the people who were there. 16 00:00:43,347 --> 00:00:45,072 The screaming and the yelling. 17 00:00:45,107 --> 00:00:48,952 That's a level of chaos I will never be able to describe. 18 00:00:49,027 --> 00:00:51,319 Narrator: And those involved at the highest level. 19 00:00:51,394 --> 00:00:54,192 The national security advisor, the vice president, and I 20 00:00:54,227 --> 00:00:57,479 Met and decided that I should run the crisis out 21 00:00:57,554 --> 00:00:59,112 Of the situation room. 22 00:00:59,187 --> 00:01:01,632 Narrator: A series of catastrophic failures 23 00:01:01,667 --> 00:01:03,232 Are revealed. 24 00:01:03,267 --> 00:01:06,032 As in-depth analysis, investigative reports, 25 00:01:06,067 --> 00:01:10,672 And declassified documents expose crucial errors. 26 00:01:10,707 --> 00:01:13,232 If this memo had been prioritized, 27 00:01:13,267 --> 00:01:15,112 We may have been able to disrupt this plot 28 00:01:15,187 --> 00:01:17,159 Before it ever even happened. 29 00:01:17,234 --> 00:01:18,912 Narrator: Intelligence failings. 30 00:01:18,947 --> 00:01:21,552 Why did the cia not say there was 31 00:01:21,587 --> 00:01:23,312 A terrorist heading your way? 32 00:01:23,347 --> 00:01:25,552 Narrator: And gaping holes in defense. 33 00:01:25,627 --> 00:01:28,112 The us air defense system had never envisioned 34 00:01:28,147 --> 00:01:29,392 This kind of an attack. 35 00:01:29,467 --> 00:01:31,112 It became a terrible guessing game. 36 00:01:31,187 --> 00:01:33,072 Where were these planes going to hit? 37 00:01:33,147 --> 00:01:36,432 Narrator: 10 fatal mistakes that together lead to the horror 38 00:01:36,467 --> 00:01:38,832 And tragedy of 9/11. 39 00:01:38,841 --> 00:01:40,072 There's this moment when you think, 40 00:01:40,147 --> 00:01:41,872 How did you all miss this? 41 00:01:41,907 --> 00:01:44,432 By not telling people, they allowed the attack to happen. 42 00:01:44,507 --> 00:01:47,479 It's a perfect storm of mistakes, 43 00:01:47,554 --> 00:01:49,712 Oversights, and missed opportunities. 44 00:01:49,787 --> 00:01:52,439 Any one of which may have changed the outcome. 45 00:02:00,361 --> 00:02:03,072 Narrator: New york's twin towers. 46 00:02:03,107 --> 00:02:06,272 From the moment they are built, they epitomize everything 47 00:02:06,347 --> 00:02:09,152 The united states stands for. 48 00:02:09,161 --> 00:02:11,632 They represented american prestige, 49 00:02:11,641 --> 00:02:15,552 American dominance, and american projection of power 50 00:02:15,627 --> 00:02:18,192 Across the world. 51 00:02:18,227 --> 00:02:22,672 The twin towers essentially, define the new york skyline. 52 00:02:22,707 --> 00:02:25,072 You clearly knew exactly which city 53 00:02:25,147 --> 00:02:28,199 You were looking at when you saw their silhouette 54 00:02:28,274 --> 00:02:29,319 On the horizon. 55 00:02:33,394 --> 00:02:36,632 Narrator: But in 1993, their iconic status 56 00:02:36,707 --> 00:02:40,839 Led to the towers being targeted in a bomb attack. 57 00:02:40,914 --> 00:02:43,632 The first step on the road to 9/11 58 00:02:43,667 --> 00:02:48,472 Is not treating this attack as a warning of things to come. 59 00:02:48,547 --> 00:02:53,272 These towers were symbolic of western capitalism. 60 00:02:53,347 --> 00:02:58,159 And made a superb target just waiting to be hit. 61 00:03:06,707 --> 00:03:10,432 Narrator: February 26, 1993. 62 00:03:10,467 --> 00:03:14,472 At 12:18 pm, a 1,500-pound truck bomb 63 00:03:14,547 --> 00:03:16,632 Rips through the public basement car park 64 00:03:16,707 --> 00:03:18,759 Directly below the twin towers. 65 00:03:22,307 --> 00:03:25,399 Firefighter joe torrillo is one of the first on the scene. 66 00:03:28,107 --> 00:03:29,872 Basically, half of the underneath 67 00:03:29,907 --> 00:03:33,232 Of the towers from the level one to level six were all the way 68 00:03:33,267 --> 00:03:34,272 Blown down. 69 00:03:34,347 --> 00:03:37,312 Almost in one huge crater. 70 00:03:37,347 --> 00:03:40,312 With thousands of trucks, thousands of vehicles 71 00:03:40,387 --> 00:03:42,999 Crushed like pancakes. 72 00:03:43,074 --> 00:03:45,479 Narrator: The blast crater is 150 feet 73 00:03:45,554 --> 00:03:49,712 Wide and several stories deep. 74 00:03:49,747 --> 00:03:54,032 Six people die and more than a thousand are injured. 75 00:03:54,107 --> 00:03:56,272 But it's clear the terrorists were hoping 76 00:03:56,307 --> 00:03:59,312 For a much higher death toll. 77 00:03:59,347 --> 00:04:02,992 When the bomb detonated, they thought that it would blow 78 00:04:03,027 --> 00:04:05,159 Out some of the major support columns 79 00:04:05,234 --> 00:04:06,952 Underneath the north tower. 80 00:04:07,027 --> 00:04:09,872 And the building would fall on top of the south tower 81 00:04:09,907 --> 00:04:12,792 And bring both buildings down. 82 00:04:12,867 --> 00:04:16,432 They intended to have mass casualties. 83 00:04:16,507 --> 00:04:20,992 Contemplating a number of up to 250,000. 84 00:04:21,001 --> 00:04:22,512 Narrator: In the weeks that follow, 85 00:04:22,547 --> 00:04:24,432 The attack is revealed to be the work 86 00:04:24,467 --> 00:04:27,552 Of an extremist islamic cell. 87 00:04:27,627 --> 00:04:32,199 And its leader, ramzi yousef is tracked down and imprisoned. 88 00:04:35,874 --> 00:04:39,432 Terrorism had come to main street usa. 89 00:04:39,507 --> 00:04:41,552 America had a new enemy. 90 00:04:41,587 --> 00:04:43,639 The role that this particular event 91 00:04:43,714 --> 00:04:47,319 Played in a larger scale effort was 92 00:04:47,394 --> 00:04:50,152 Not appreciated at that time. 93 00:04:50,227 --> 00:04:52,112 Narrator: The speed with which the fbi 94 00:04:52,147 --> 00:04:54,192 Tracks down the attackers reassures 95 00:04:54,201 --> 00:04:56,799 Both the public and government. 96 00:04:58,467 --> 00:05:01,072 The fact that they were able to piece together 97 00:05:01,107 --> 00:05:04,592 What happened so easily probably, led 98 00:05:04,667 --> 00:05:06,592 To a false sense of security. 99 00:05:06,667 --> 00:05:09,712 That our law enforcement was capable of handling 100 00:05:09,747 --> 00:05:10,992 This threat. 101 00:05:11,027 --> 00:05:13,472 For the fbi, the attack in 1993 102 00:05:13,507 --> 00:05:17,632 Was a symbol of a less than top notch sophisticated 103 00:05:17,667 --> 00:05:20,832 Terrorist organization. 104 00:05:20,867 --> 00:05:22,672 Narrator: But treating the bombing as 105 00:05:22,707 --> 00:05:27,312 An isolated incident means the bigger picture is missed. 106 00:05:27,347 --> 00:05:31,112 The fact that the first world trade center bombing failed 107 00:05:31,187 --> 00:05:36,432 Didn't mean that it was not worth attacking again 108 00:05:36,467 --> 00:05:39,392 And again to bring it down. 109 00:05:39,427 --> 00:05:42,672 Narrator: Eight years later, ramzi yousef's uncle 110 00:05:42,707 --> 00:05:45,159 Khalid sheikh mohammed is accused of being 111 00:05:45,234 --> 00:05:48,312 A senior member of al-qaeda. 112 00:05:48,387 --> 00:05:52,272 He is later charged over the 9/11 attacks. 113 00:05:52,307 --> 00:05:54,272 Had the first attack on the twin towers 114 00:05:54,307 --> 00:05:57,159 Been recognized as part of a much larger pattern 115 00:05:57,234 --> 00:05:59,959 Of radical terrorism, america might have been 116 00:06:00,034 --> 00:06:02,592 Better prepared for the sheer size of the threat 117 00:06:02,627 --> 00:06:04,472 That was looming. 118 00:06:04,547 --> 00:06:07,952 Al-qaeda's thinking early on was 119 00:06:07,987 --> 00:06:12,352 Terror on a catastrophic scale. 120 00:06:12,387 --> 00:06:14,359 We knew al-qaeda existed by then. 121 00:06:14,434 --> 00:06:15,799 We knew they were a threat. 122 00:06:15,874 --> 00:06:18,432 I don't think we recognized the extent 123 00:06:18,467 --> 00:06:22,152 To which they were a threat. 124 00:06:22,227 --> 00:06:25,472 Narrator: Dismissing the 1993 bombing as a one-off 125 00:06:25,507 --> 00:06:27,792 Is the first mistake in the series 126 00:06:27,827 --> 00:06:30,032 Of missed opportunities and errors 127 00:06:30,107 --> 00:06:34,432 Of judgment that leads to 9/11. 128 00:06:34,467 --> 00:06:37,432 But a second more critical mistake, the failure 129 00:06:37,507 --> 00:06:40,832 To pass on key intelligence, leaves the door to america 130 00:06:40,841 --> 00:06:45,479 Wide open to the 9/11 terrorists. 131 00:06:45,554 --> 00:06:48,272 Two of these hijackers who we had tracked around the world, 132 00:06:48,347 --> 00:06:50,112 Who we knew were really bad guys were 133 00:06:50,147 --> 00:06:51,799 Coming to the united states. 134 00:06:51,874 --> 00:06:55,392 And our own security agency was not told about it. 135 00:06:55,427 --> 00:06:57,719 [typing sounds] 136 00:07:03,107 --> 00:07:07,632 Narrator: On January 4, 2000, the cia receives intelligence 137 00:07:07,667 --> 00:07:09,639 That two men with extremist links 138 00:07:09,714 --> 00:07:11,432 Are attending a suspected al-qaeda 139 00:07:11,507 --> 00:07:14,272 Summit in kuala lumpur. 140 00:07:14,307 --> 00:07:17,792 They are nawaf al-hazmi and khalid al-mihdhar. 141 00:07:17,827 --> 00:07:21,792 Two of the future 9/11 hijackers. 142 00:07:21,827 --> 00:07:23,712 They were involved in a meeting 143 00:07:23,747 --> 00:07:28,592 In malaysia that appeared to be a terrorist planning meeting. 144 00:07:28,627 --> 00:07:30,512 We didn't know what they were planning, 145 00:07:30,521 --> 00:07:32,792 But we knew they had been there. 146 00:07:32,867 --> 00:07:35,552 Narrator: Al-mihdhar has family links to al-qaeda. 147 00:07:35,627 --> 00:07:38,359 So the cia puts him under surveillance. 148 00:07:38,434 --> 00:07:40,672 They broke into his hotel. 149 00:07:40,707 --> 00:07:42,672 Photographed his passport. 150 00:07:42,707 --> 00:07:48,752 And subsequently filmed the details of the meeting he had. 151 00:07:48,827 --> 00:07:50,999 Narrator: Al-mihdhar's passport contains 152 00:07:51,074 --> 00:07:53,472 A multiple entry us visa. 153 00:07:53,507 --> 00:07:56,999 Due to expire in just three months. 154 00:07:57,074 --> 00:08:00,272 It's a clear indication that a man with extremist links 155 00:08:00,347 --> 00:08:03,959 Has the means to legally enter america. 156 00:08:04,034 --> 00:08:05,799 The intelligence community had identified them 157 00:08:05,874 --> 00:08:08,752 As people wanting to come to the united states. 158 00:08:08,787 --> 00:08:11,392 So this should have set off alarms. 159 00:08:11,427 --> 00:08:14,112 Narrator: In fact, in the hours after the discovery 160 00:08:14,187 --> 00:08:19,072 Of al-mihdhar's passport, the potential threat is flagged. 161 00:08:19,107 --> 00:08:22,352 Doug miller, an fbi officer working with the cia, 162 00:08:22,361 --> 00:08:26,432 Tries to pass the intelligence onto the fbi. 163 00:08:26,507 --> 00:08:29,039 But his memo never leaves the cia. 164 00:08:31,234 --> 00:08:35,312 Miller thought the information was of such high value, 165 00:08:35,321 --> 00:08:38,352 It should be passed onto the fbi. 166 00:08:38,387 --> 00:08:43,792 And was, to say the least, surprised that it was not. 167 00:08:43,827 --> 00:08:48,032 Narrator: Just 10 days later, on January 15, 2000, 168 00:08:48,067 --> 00:08:52,272 Al-mihdhar and al-hazmi arrive together in the us. 169 00:08:52,347 --> 00:08:54,992 Despite entering under their real names, 170 00:08:55,027 --> 00:08:57,632 They're not picked up. 171 00:08:57,641 --> 00:09:00,992 Under every rule that we had the fbi should have been told. 172 00:09:01,027 --> 00:09:03,479 And they would have been arrested. 173 00:09:03,554 --> 00:09:09,272 And perhaps, the attack would have been revealed. 174 00:09:09,347 --> 00:09:12,472 Narrator: Had the cia immediately informed the fbi 175 00:09:12,547 --> 00:09:14,592 Of the possibility of men with links 176 00:09:14,627 --> 00:09:18,592 To extremists traveling to the united states, al-mihdhar 177 00:09:18,627 --> 00:09:22,992 And al-hazmi could have been stopped long before 9/11. 178 00:09:23,001 --> 00:09:27,639 Had the cia shared this information with urgency, had 179 00:09:27,714 --> 00:09:32,032 The fbi put these people on a no fly list, at the very least, 180 00:09:32,107 --> 00:09:35,312 American airlines flight 77 would not have been hijacked. 181 00:09:35,347 --> 00:09:39,592 I think that if we had found one of them 182 00:09:39,667 --> 00:09:42,359 That they wouldn't have gone ahead with it. 183 00:09:42,434 --> 00:09:45,639 Narrator: The cia's failure to pass on key intelligence 184 00:09:45,714 --> 00:09:48,632 Means the two extremists enter the united states 185 00:09:48,707 --> 00:09:52,592 20 months before 9/11. 186 00:09:52,627 --> 00:09:55,632 But its decisions by the fbi that allow them to plan 187 00:09:55,667 --> 00:09:59,232 Their terror attack undetected. 188 00:09:59,267 --> 00:10:01,072 We didn't put the dots together. 189 00:10:01,107 --> 00:10:05,839 We didn't put things together that told us the story. 190 00:10:14,547 --> 00:10:16,999 Narrator: On September 11, 2001, the most deadly terror attack 191 00:10:17,074 --> 00:10:21,312 In us history shocks the world. 192 00:10:21,347 --> 00:10:24,952 What I remember is crying. 193 00:10:25,027 --> 00:10:26,839 It was just so horrific. 194 00:10:26,914 --> 00:10:32,839 And so beyond a scale that you could ever have imagined. 195 00:10:32,914 --> 00:10:35,872 Narrator: As the investigation into 9/11 unfolds, 196 00:10:35,947 --> 00:10:38,272 It becomes clear two of the hijackers 197 00:10:38,307 --> 00:10:41,472 Had been plotting their deadly attacks while openly 198 00:10:41,507 --> 00:10:44,952 Living in the united states. 199 00:10:45,027 --> 00:10:48,679 The failure of federal and local police to pick them up 200 00:10:48,754 --> 00:10:52,519 Can be traced to an operational decision made by the fbi. 201 00:10:52,594 --> 00:10:55,632 When they closed down an investigation into a man 202 00:10:55,667 --> 00:10:59,552 With close links to the hijackers. 203 00:10:59,587 --> 00:11:01,232 The file is closed. 204 00:11:01,267 --> 00:11:03,232 He is no longer a suspect. 205 00:11:03,267 --> 00:11:06,359 And he is free to go about his business. 206 00:11:13,747 --> 00:11:16,679 Narrator: San diego, September 1998. 207 00:11:16,754 --> 00:11:19,632 Three years before 9/11. 208 00:11:19,641 --> 00:11:23,912 The fbi puts a saudi graduate student under surveillance. 209 00:11:23,987 --> 00:11:26,952 His name is omar al-bayoumi. 210 00:11:27,027 --> 00:11:29,752 He was seen as a potential terrorist suspect 211 00:11:29,827 --> 00:11:33,072 Because of his association with the arab community 212 00:11:33,147 --> 00:11:34,832 In san diego. 213 00:11:34,841 --> 00:11:38,432 There are suspicious packages coming into his building. 214 00:11:38,467 --> 00:11:41,632 People are meeting in his building. 215 00:11:41,667 --> 00:11:44,432 Narrator: In February 2000, al-bayoumi 216 00:11:44,507 --> 00:11:48,352 Meets the two future hijackers, nawaf al-hazmi 217 00:11:48,387 --> 00:11:53,752 And khalid al-mihdhar, in a cafe in culver city, los angeles. 218 00:11:53,827 --> 00:11:57,799 But the meeting is missed by the fbi. 219 00:11:57,874 --> 00:12:02,192 By '99, al-bayoumi's file has been closed. 220 00:12:02,227 --> 00:12:03,439 Why? 221 00:12:05,667 --> 00:12:08,992 Narrator: Just months before he meets the future hijackers, 222 00:12:09,027 --> 00:12:12,792 The inquiry into al-bayoumi is terminated. 223 00:12:12,867 --> 00:12:14,832 Reports suggest the fbi thought 224 00:12:14,867 --> 00:12:19,872 He may have actually been an agent to the saudi government. 225 00:12:19,907 --> 00:12:23,392 So when al-hazmi and al-mihdhar arrive in la, 226 00:12:23,467 --> 00:12:25,472 No one is watching. 227 00:12:25,507 --> 00:12:30,072 The fact that he connected with other individuals that 228 00:12:30,147 --> 00:12:33,872 Are known to be involved in terrorism. 229 00:12:33,907 --> 00:12:36,512 If the investigation continued, that's 230 00:12:36,547 --> 00:12:37,792 Going to get you to think ok. 231 00:12:37,827 --> 00:12:39,072 Wait a minute. 232 00:12:39,147 --> 00:12:40,912 He's connected with them somehow. 233 00:12:40,947 --> 00:12:42,039 Who are these guys? 234 00:12:43,507 --> 00:12:44,912 Narrator: Closing the investigation 235 00:12:44,987 --> 00:12:47,319 Into his activities on us soil meant 236 00:12:47,394 --> 00:12:52,512 The fbi missed a vital link to two of the 9/11 hijackers. 237 00:12:52,547 --> 00:12:55,839 And the chance to uncover their plans. 238 00:12:57,187 --> 00:13:00,519 Al-bayoumi was associating with two people 239 00:13:00,594 --> 00:13:02,752 Who had terrorist connections. 240 00:13:02,787 --> 00:13:05,319 If the fbi had joined up the dots, 241 00:13:05,394 --> 00:13:09,159 Al-bayoumi, al-mihdhar, and al-hazmi 242 00:13:09,234 --> 00:13:14,959 Would have been a lot higher on the fbi's wanted list by 2001. 243 00:13:17,961 --> 00:13:21,072 Narrator: But this isn't the only missed opportunity 244 00:13:21,107 --> 00:13:24,912 To plug gaps in us security. 245 00:13:24,947 --> 00:13:27,392 In the months leading up to 9/11, 246 00:13:27,467 --> 00:13:30,032 A potential hole in aviation security 247 00:13:30,107 --> 00:13:34,352 Is highlighted by an incident on an internal us flight. 248 00:13:34,361 --> 00:13:38,432 The incident should have been a major warning signal. 249 00:13:38,467 --> 00:13:40,719 [typing sounds] 250 00:13:45,507 --> 00:13:48,199 Narrator: November 19, 1999. 251 00:13:48,274 --> 00:13:51,232 Just under two years before 9/11. 252 00:13:51,267 --> 00:13:54,432 Two saudi men are detained for suspicious behavior 253 00:13:54,467 --> 00:13:57,472 On an america west flight. 254 00:13:57,507 --> 00:14:01,072 These men are on a flight from phoenix to washington. 255 00:14:01,147 --> 00:14:03,712 And while they're on the flight, a passenger said one of them 256 00:14:03,747 --> 00:14:07,479 Attempts to enter the cockpit. 257 00:14:07,554 --> 00:14:11,112 Narrator: Shortly afterwards, the plane touches down in ohio. 258 00:14:11,187 --> 00:14:14,199 And the crew's concerns are reported to the authorities. 259 00:14:14,274 --> 00:14:18,032 After the plane lands, the fbi detains these individuals 260 00:14:18,107 --> 00:14:21,112 And interviews them. 261 00:14:21,187 --> 00:14:23,472 Narrator: Under questioning, one of the suspects 262 00:14:23,507 --> 00:14:26,032 Says he was just looking for the restroom. 263 00:14:26,067 --> 00:14:27,592 Even though a witness had claimed 264 00:14:27,667 --> 00:14:29,632 He was trying to enter the flight deck. 265 00:14:29,667 --> 00:14:32,192 And they were questioned for four hours. 266 00:14:32,227 --> 00:14:35,392 What's unusual about this case is that the saudi government 267 00:14:35,427 --> 00:14:37,472 Got involved. 268 00:14:37,507 --> 00:14:39,712 Narrator: Both men deny any wrongdoing. 269 00:14:39,747 --> 00:14:42,072 And claim they're being discriminated against 270 00:14:42,147 --> 00:14:44,839 For their arabic background. 271 00:14:44,914 --> 00:14:48,072 Because of accusations of racial profiling, 272 00:14:48,147 --> 00:14:52,352 The investigation is closed soon after. 273 00:14:52,387 --> 00:14:54,752 Narrator: The two men are released with an apology 274 00:14:54,787 --> 00:14:59,872 From the airline and first class tickets to washington dc. 275 00:14:59,947 --> 00:15:02,072 But the incident highlights the fact 276 00:15:02,147 --> 00:15:07,072 That passengers could access flight decks relatively easily. 277 00:15:07,107 --> 00:15:10,192 Given the importance of security on aircraft 278 00:15:10,227 --> 00:15:13,632 And federal aviation rules, these kinds of actions 279 00:15:13,667 --> 00:15:17,552 Would have certainly been a cause for concern. 280 00:15:17,627 --> 00:15:19,472 Narrator: But it's only after 9/11 281 00:15:19,507 --> 00:15:21,712 That the number of air marshals in the us 282 00:15:21,747 --> 00:15:26,992 Is increased from just 33 to several thousand. 283 00:15:27,027 --> 00:15:30,312 And new regulations on cockpit doors and large passenger 284 00:15:30,387 --> 00:15:33,792 Aircraft now require them to be heavily reinforced 285 00:15:33,827 --> 00:15:36,479 And have more secure locking systems. 286 00:15:40,547 --> 00:15:43,792 Narrator: A lack of fbi scrutiny allows terrorists 287 00:15:43,827 --> 00:15:46,839 To plan atrocities on us soil. 288 00:15:46,914 --> 00:15:51,592 And investigations after 9/11 reveal four of the 19 hijackers 289 00:15:51,667 --> 00:15:52,992 Are pilots. 290 00:15:53,001 --> 00:15:56,992 And they qualified in the united states. 291 00:15:57,027 --> 00:15:58,432 And I remember hearing this thinking, wait. 292 00:15:58,467 --> 00:15:59,959 What? 293 00:16:00,034 --> 00:16:02,632 They were trained here in the us? 294 00:16:02,707 --> 00:16:06,032 And, of course, you think, how does this happen? 295 00:16:06,067 --> 00:16:07,632 Narrator: The fact that nothing was 296 00:16:07,667 --> 00:16:10,472 Done to stop them suggests the fbi wasn't 297 00:16:10,547 --> 00:16:12,672 Seeing the bigger picture. 298 00:16:12,707 --> 00:16:14,952 But one agent did. 299 00:16:15,027 --> 00:16:17,752 And his warnings were missed. 300 00:16:17,827 --> 00:16:20,352 Turning an oversight into one of the biggest mistakes 301 00:16:20,361 --> 00:16:24,272 In the countdown to 9/11. 302 00:16:24,307 --> 00:16:27,159 If the phoenix memo had been looked at, 303 00:16:27,234 --> 00:16:29,872 9/11 may not have happened. 304 00:16:29,947 --> 00:16:32,359 [typing sounds] 305 00:16:36,467 --> 00:16:38,679 Narrator: July 10, 2001. 306 00:16:38,754 --> 00:16:41,792 Two months before 9/11. 307 00:16:41,827 --> 00:16:44,432 Arizona fbi agent kenneth williams 308 00:16:44,507 --> 00:16:46,472 Sends a memo to the new york federal 309 00:16:46,547 --> 00:16:49,792 Bureau and fbi headquarters. 310 00:16:49,827 --> 00:16:52,112 It describes an unusually high number 311 00:16:52,147 --> 00:16:54,359 Of islamic students seeking training 312 00:16:54,434 --> 00:16:57,592 In the us aviation industry. 313 00:16:57,667 --> 00:17:00,992 Williams suspects they have been radicalized. 314 00:17:01,027 --> 00:17:05,712 His report becomes known as the phoenix memo. 315 00:17:05,787 --> 00:17:09,552 The phoenix memo is an example of the fbi doing exactly 316 00:17:09,627 --> 00:17:10,672 What it should have been doing. 317 00:17:10,707 --> 00:17:12,632 Which is connecting the dots. 318 00:17:12,707 --> 00:17:16,632 The phoenix memo pieces together a larger picture. 319 00:17:16,707 --> 00:17:21,632 And suggest that osama bin laden is sending people to infiltrate 320 00:17:21,667 --> 00:17:24,992 The us civil aviation industry. 321 00:17:25,001 --> 00:17:26,839 Narrator: The report contains details 322 00:17:26,914 --> 00:17:31,552 Of suspected al-qaeda terrorist activity within us aviation. 323 00:17:31,627 --> 00:17:34,432 And how to stop it. 324 00:17:34,467 --> 00:17:38,112 Williams identifies al-qaeda as a clear 325 00:17:38,147 --> 00:17:41,632 And present danger to the us. 326 00:17:41,667 --> 00:17:43,792 He is looking ahead to a threat 327 00:17:43,827 --> 00:17:45,632 That might occur in the future. 328 00:17:45,667 --> 00:17:48,199 And giving recommendations for what the fbi 329 00:17:48,274 --> 00:17:51,632 Needs to do to prepare for this threat. 330 00:17:51,641 --> 00:17:53,872 Narrator: Williams suggests the fbi makes 331 00:17:53,947 --> 00:17:56,432 Links with us flight schools. 332 00:17:56,507 --> 00:17:58,999 And that visa requests from overseas students 333 00:17:59,074 --> 00:18:01,392 Wanting to study aviation in america 334 00:18:01,467 --> 00:18:03,952 Are flagged to the bureau. 335 00:18:03,987 --> 00:18:07,952 But the urgency of the memo is missed. 336 00:18:07,961 --> 00:18:12,272 This memo wasn't flagged as having high priority. 337 00:18:12,307 --> 00:18:17,272 It gets lost in the ordinary course of business in the fbi. 338 00:18:17,347 --> 00:18:20,992 Exacerbated by the fact that the fbi had a fairly 339 00:18:21,027 --> 00:18:23,072 Archaic internal system. 340 00:18:23,107 --> 00:18:24,632 It wasn't followed up on at all. 341 00:18:24,707 --> 00:18:26,192 In fact, it didn't get-- 342 00:18:26,227 --> 00:18:28,519 I don't think it got all the way to the top. 343 00:18:28,594 --> 00:18:30,592 Narrator: Williams later testifies he passed 344 00:18:30,667 --> 00:18:32,512 The memo to his superiors. 345 00:18:32,547 --> 00:18:36,192 In the expectation it would be passed up the chain of command. 346 00:18:36,201 --> 00:18:39,479 In 2002, he is taken off the case. 347 00:18:39,554 --> 00:18:42,359 And has since retired from the bureau. 348 00:18:42,434 --> 00:18:45,912 It was, perhaps, a failure of fbi leadership 349 00:18:45,987 --> 00:18:49,712 Not to identify as a higher priority, 350 00:18:49,747 --> 00:18:52,512 The threat from al-qaeda. 351 00:18:52,547 --> 00:18:55,472 Narrator: Had the phoenix memo been seen by the right people 352 00:18:55,507 --> 00:18:59,632 In the fbi, terrorist activity within us aviation 353 00:18:59,667 --> 00:19:01,799 Would have been investigated. 354 00:19:01,874 --> 00:19:06,512 I think the phoenix memo had the capacity to really make 355 00:19:06,547 --> 00:19:08,592 A difference in what happened in 9/11 356 00:19:08,627 --> 00:19:10,952 Because it was forward-looking. 357 00:19:11,027 --> 00:19:13,952 It offered a big picture perspective. 358 00:19:13,987 --> 00:19:16,192 And it also offered specific things 359 00:19:16,227 --> 00:19:20,192 That the fbi could do to be prepared to identify 360 00:19:20,227 --> 00:19:22,439 This threat before it occurred. 361 00:19:24,841 --> 00:19:27,632 Narrator: In the run up to 9/11, a new and lethal 362 00:19:27,667 --> 00:19:30,032 Terrorist threat is overlooked. 363 00:19:30,067 --> 00:19:32,992 Lack of communication between agencies 364 00:19:33,027 --> 00:19:36,312 Allows extremists to enter the us. 365 00:19:36,387 --> 00:19:39,912 And the fbi misses crucial clues to terrorist activity 366 00:19:39,987 --> 00:19:42,192 On american soil. 367 00:19:42,201 --> 00:19:45,632 But on the day itself, there's still a chance to reduce 368 00:19:45,667 --> 00:19:47,799 The impact of the attack. 369 00:19:47,874 --> 00:19:50,072 But us defenses are caught off-guard. 370 00:19:50,147 --> 00:19:53,959 Unable to respond until it's too late. 371 00:19:54,034 --> 00:19:55,392 There was no contingency planning 372 00:19:55,467 --> 00:19:58,432 For the kind of airspace security operation 373 00:19:58,467 --> 00:20:00,279 That 9/11 required. 374 00:20:10,827 --> 00:20:11,712 Narrator: From start to finish, the 9/11 375 00:20:11,747 --> 00:20:16,272 Attack on the united states lasts just over two hours. 376 00:20:16,307 --> 00:20:19,479 And during that time not a single hijacked plane could 377 00:20:19,554 --> 00:20:22,312 Be located in time to stop it. 378 00:20:22,387 --> 00:20:25,712 Because us air defense is unprepared. 379 00:20:25,747 --> 00:20:27,799 And fighter jets are scrambled far 380 00:20:27,874 --> 00:20:30,152 Too late to make a difference. 381 00:20:30,227 --> 00:20:34,472 It seemed to us that day, like a damn long time 382 00:20:34,547 --> 00:20:36,192 Until we could get aircraft up. 383 00:20:36,201 --> 00:20:38,399 [typing sounds] 384 00:20:42,307 --> 00:20:44,199 Narrator: By the end of the cold war, 385 00:20:44,274 --> 00:20:47,712 It is assumed the united states is no longer under threat 386 00:20:47,747 --> 00:20:49,872 Of attack on home soil. 387 00:20:49,907 --> 00:20:53,792 So resources and funding to air defenses are cut. 388 00:20:53,801 --> 00:20:55,912 During the cold war, we were able to get 389 00:20:55,987 --> 00:20:58,112 Fighter planes up over every american city 390 00:20:58,147 --> 00:20:59,872 Relatively quickly. 391 00:20:59,907 --> 00:21:03,232 Because we anticipated soviet bombers coming. 392 00:21:03,267 --> 00:21:05,392 After the fall of the soviet union, 393 00:21:05,427 --> 00:21:08,119 That air defense system was significantly reduced. 394 00:21:10,707 --> 00:21:12,672 Narrator: On the morning of 9/11, 395 00:21:12,707 --> 00:21:15,232 The us air defense on the eastern seaboard 396 00:21:15,267 --> 00:21:19,792 Consists of just a handful of battle-ready jets. 397 00:21:19,827 --> 00:21:24,999 At 8:37 am, air traffic control reports the first hijacking. 398 00:21:25,074 --> 00:21:26,472 Air traffic controller: Hi, boston 17u. 399 00:21:26,547 --> 00:21:28,112 We have a problem here. 400 00:21:28,147 --> 00:21:31,152 We have a hijacked aircraft headed towards new york. 401 00:21:31,187 --> 00:21:32,792 Narrator: Recordings of communications 402 00:21:32,867 --> 00:21:36,032 From northeastern air defense command, neads, 403 00:21:36,067 --> 00:21:38,512 Reveal air traffic control immediately 404 00:21:38,547 --> 00:21:41,752 Requests us fighter jets to locate the plane 405 00:21:41,827 --> 00:21:43,272 And escort it to safety. 406 00:21:43,347 --> 00:21:45,072 Neads controller: This is huntress 407 00:21:45,107 --> 00:21:50,152 With an active air defense scramble for blip 2-5 and 2-6. 408 00:21:50,227 --> 00:21:54,112 Narrator: But as 9/11 unfolds, it becomes clear the aging air 409 00:21:54,147 --> 00:21:56,679 Defense systems aren't capable of effectively 410 00:21:56,754 --> 00:21:59,952 Tracking the hijacked planes. 411 00:21:59,987 --> 00:22:03,159 The radar system was, very much, outdated 412 00:22:03,234 --> 00:22:10,112 And was not really turned to tracking internal flights. 413 00:22:10,147 --> 00:22:12,752 Narrator: Neads is dependent on information 414 00:22:12,827 --> 00:22:15,599 Being relayed from civilian aviation authorities. 415 00:22:18,627 --> 00:22:23,959 The boston center passed information to the faa. 416 00:22:24,034 --> 00:22:28,359 The agency responsible for monitoring internal flights. 417 00:22:28,434 --> 00:22:32,152 Then they had to contact the neads base 418 00:22:32,227 --> 00:22:34,592 In rome, in new york state. 419 00:22:34,667 --> 00:22:38,952 Which then tried to trace the plane. 420 00:22:39,027 --> 00:22:41,312 Narrator: Then the hijacked aircraft disappear 421 00:22:41,321 --> 00:22:44,352 From its tracking system. 422 00:22:44,387 --> 00:22:47,232 One of the things that the hijackers did 423 00:22:47,267 --> 00:22:48,679 Was to turn off the transponders. 424 00:22:48,754 --> 00:22:51,479 These were the signaling devices used 425 00:22:51,554 --> 00:22:54,679 To track the position of those planes 426 00:22:54,754 --> 00:22:56,832 By air traffic controllers. 427 00:22:56,841 --> 00:22:59,479 Which meant these planes became ghosts. 428 00:23:03,801 --> 00:23:05,752 Narrator: By the time two fighter 429 00:23:05,827 --> 00:23:11,912 Jets are finally scrambled, it's too late for the north tower. 430 00:23:11,987 --> 00:23:13,112 Worse. 431 00:23:13,187 --> 00:23:15,432 The second plane isn't far behind. 432 00:23:15,507 --> 00:23:17,072 [explosion] 433 00:23:17,107 --> 00:23:18,832 Neads controller: Another one just hit the building. 434 00:23:18,867 --> 00:23:19,639 Wow. 435 00:23:19,714 --> 00:23:20,632 Wow. 436 00:23:20,707 --> 00:23:21,872 That one hit it hard. 437 00:23:21,907 --> 00:23:23,472 That one hit the world trade. 438 00:23:23,507 --> 00:23:25,232 The whole building just about came apart. 439 00:23:25,267 --> 00:23:27,072 Holy smokes. 440 00:23:27,107 --> 00:23:28,992 Narrator: The neads recordings reveal 441 00:23:29,027 --> 00:23:32,752 The chaos as the third hijacking is reported. 442 00:23:32,827 --> 00:23:34,512 Neads controller: Stand by please. 443 00:23:34,547 --> 00:23:37,552 I've got a report that it dropped off radar over indiana. 444 00:23:37,627 --> 00:23:38,912 Neads controller: United 175. 445 00:23:38,947 --> 00:23:40,032 Neads controller: Excuse me. Negative. 446 00:23:40,067 --> 00:23:41,592 That's not correct. 447 00:23:41,667 --> 00:23:44,839 That's american 77 that dropped off the radar. 448 00:23:44,914 --> 00:23:47,792 Narrator: Followed quickly by a fourth. 449 00:23:47,827 --> 00:23:49,272 Neads controller: We just had another report. 450 00:23:49,347 --> 00:23:50,912 United 93. 451 00:23:50,947 --> 00:23:52,672 They heard screaming on the frequency 452 00:23:52,707 --> 00:23:55,112 And the people have a bomb on board. 453 00:23:55,187 --> 00:23:58,912 Narrator: At 9:24 am, two more fighters are scrambled. 454 00:23:58,947 --> 00:24:00,192 Neads controller: Scramble langley. 455 00:24:00,227 --> 00:24:01,432 Head them towards the washington area. 456 00:24:01,507 --> 00:24:02,639 Neads controller: Roger that. 457 00:24:04,987 --> 00:24:07,959 Narrator: Outdated systems, budget cuts, and lack 458 00:24:08,034 --> 00:24:09,952 Of coordination with civil aviation 459 00:24:09,961 --> 00:24:14,432 Means us air defense is caught off guard. 460 00:24:14,467 --> 00:24:17,799 A problem made worse by delays in critical decision-making 461 00:24:17,874 --> 00:24:19,639 At the highest level. 462 00:24:21,507 --> 00:24:24,632 Until the second crash, everyone assumes 463 00:24:24,707 --> 00:24:26,199 These are standard hijackings. 464 00:24:26,274 --> 00:24:31,072 That the planes will land and negotiation will follow. 465 00:24:31,107 --> 00:24:32,992 These hijackers are suicide bombers. 466 00:24:33,027 --> 00:24:34,072 They don't want to live. 467 00:24:34,147 --> 00:24:36,112 You cannot negotiate with them. 468 00:24:36,147 --> 00:24:40,912 So the issue is no longer, how do you save the passengers? 469 00:24:40,947 --> 00:24:43,959 It's how do you save those in the buildings 470 00:24:44,034 --> 00:24:48,672 That the hijackers want to destroy using the plane? 471 00:24:48,707 --> 00:24:51,392 Frankly, we had never contemplated 472 00:24:51,427 --> 00:24:54,839 Shooting down an airliner filled with americans. 473 00:24:54,914 --> 00:24:57,632 Narrator: The only ones who can authorize the takedown 474 00:24:57,667 --> 00:24:59,792 Of an american plane are the president 475 00:24:59,801 --> 00:25:02,519 And the defense secretary. 476 00:25:02,594 --> 00:25:04,752 But there are communication breakdowns. 477 00:25:04,787 --> 00:25:09,872 And no emergency procedure to issue the command to shoot. 478 00:25:09,907 --> 00:25:12,199 [typing sounds] 479 00:25:17,667 --> 00:25:20,952 On the morning of September 11, president bush 480 00:25:21,027 --> 00:25:22,959 Is told about the attacks on the twin towers. 481 00:25:26,067 --> 00:25:27,952 I mean, the president was talking to a group 482 00:25:27,961 --> 00:25:30,839 Of kids in florida, in school. 483 00:25:30,914 --> 00:25:33,232 And his aide, andy card, whispers in his ear. 484 00:25:33,267 --> 00:25:35,432 Mr, president, the united states is under attack. 485 00:25:35,507 --> 00:25:37,199 [camera shutters] 486 00:25:38,307 --> 00:25:40,272 He finished reading that paragraph or whatever. 487 00:25:40,307 --> 00:25:42,272 Because he didn't want to alarm everybody 488 00:25:42,307 --> 00:25:45,072 Until he knew what was going on. 489 00:25:45,147 --> 00:25:49,279 Around about 9:30, he's ferried off to air force one. 490 00:25:52,147 --> 00:25:54,192 Narrator: In the white house, senior staff 491 00:25:54,227 --> 00:25:57,319 Are scrambling to get the situation under control. 492 00:25:57,394 --> 00:26:00,432 The national security advisor condi rice, the vice president 493 00:26:00,467 --> 00:26:03,432 Dick cheney and I met and decided that they 494 00:26:03,507 --> 00:26:05,552 Should go to the bomb shelter. 495 00:26:05,587 --> 00:26:10,999 And that I should run the crisis out of the situation room. 496 00:26:11,074 --> 00:26:15,152 Narrator: The intelligence situation is chaotic. 497 00:26:15,187 --> 00:26:18,192 The president is now on his way to air force one. 498 00:26:18,227 --> 00:26:21,159 Vice president cheney is in the white house bunker. 499 00:26:21,234 --> 00:26:24,352 And defense secretary donald rumsfeld is in his office, 500 00:26:24,387 --> 00:26:26,592 In the pentagon. 501 00:26:26,627 --> 00:26:27,959 Total confusion. 502 00:26:28,034 --> 00:26:29,632 Confusion at every level of government. 503 00:26:29,641 --> 00:26:32,672 They didn't know whether this was just the first step. 504 00:26:32,707 --> 00:26:35,232 There was a lot of government speculation. 505 00:26:35,307 --> 00:26:37,392 It became a terrible guessing game. 506 00:26:37,427 --> 00:26:39,432 Where were these planes going? 507 00:26:39,507 --> 00:26:40,992 What were they going to hit? 508 00:26:41,027 --> 00:26:43,472 Was chicago under attack? 509 00:26:43,507 --> 00:26:45,712 Or what about los angeles? 510 00:26:45,747 --> 00:26:48,032 Narrator: Just minutes later, at 9:37 am, 511 00:26:48,107 --> 00:26:51,592 The third plane hits the pentagon. 512 00:26:51,667 --> 00:26:53,912 We were talking to people in the pentagon 513 00:26:53,987 --> 00:26:57,112 On the video when the plane struck. 514 00:26:57,187 --> 00:27:01,232 You could tell on the video that something had happened. 515 00:27:01,267 --> 00:27:04,792 And eventually, the smoke was coming 516 00:27:04,867 --> 00:27:07,792 Into that conference room. 517 00:27:07,827 --> 00:27:11,392 Narrator: The heart of the us military has been attacked. 518 00:27:11,427 --> 00:27:12,839 Worse. 519 00:27:12,914 --> 00:27:15,152 A fourth hijacked plane is still at large. 520 00:27:15,187 --> 00:27:18,672 And no one knows where it's headed. 521 00:27:18,707 --> 00:27:20,839 There was a sense of foreboding 522 00:27:20,914 --> 00:27:22,912 And dread among my team. 523 00:27:22,947 --> 00:27:26,432 Because we thought that one of the airplanes that was still up 524 00:27:26,467 --> 00:27:28,992 Might come and blow up the white house. 525 00:27:29,027 --> 00:27:30,992 Narrator: It's clear the plane must be stopped 526 00:27:31,001 --> 00:27:34,359 Before it reaches its destination. 527 00:27:34,434 --> 00:27:36,592 And that needs clearance from the highest 528 00:27:36,627 --> 00:27:38,239 Level of government. 529 00:27:39,074 --> 00:27:42,432 But donald rumsfeld is missing after the pentagon attack. 530 00:27:42,467 --> 00:27:46,352 And communication links to air force one and president bush 531 00:27:46,361 --> 00:27:48,999 Are patchy, at best. 532 00:27:55,347 --> 00:27:56,272 Air force one had gone to the highest 533 00:27:56,307 --> 00:27:57,232 Altitude it could get to. 534 00:27:57,267 --> 00:28:00,112 Given they didn't know what the nature of the attack was 535 00:28:00,147 --> 00:28:03,952 And they had to protect the president at all costs. 536 00:28:03,987 --> 00:28:08,672 So the telephone link was problematic. 537 00:28:08,707 --> 00:28:12,072 Narrator: At 45,000 feet, just two of the phone lines 538 00:28:12,147 --> 00:28:14,352 On air force one are still working. 539 00:28:14,361 --> 00:28:16,519 And they are intermittent. 540 00:28:16,594 --> 00:28:19,639 Time is running out. 541 00:28:19,714 --> 00:28:25,592 Rumsfeld not being around and the president being 45,000 feet 542 00:28:25,667 --> 00:28:30,112 Above the ground meant that taking that command decision 543 00:28:30,147 --> 00:28:33,952 Became incredibly fraught. 544 00:28:33,987 --> 00:28:37,312 Narrator: Over an hour after the first plane hit, 545 00:28:37,347 --> 00:28:40,192 Communication is finally good enough for the president 546 00:28:40,227 --> 00:28:43,432 To issue the shoot down order. 547 00:28:43,507 --> 00:28:45,959 The word was then given to the pentagon. 548 00:28:46,034 --> 00:28:49,472 That if a situation is developing where you see 549 00:28:49,507 --> 00:28:53,639 A hijacked jet and it looks like it's going to hit a target, 550 00:28:53,714 --> 00:28:56,272 You have the authority to shoot it down. 551 00:28:56,307 --> 00:29:01,152 Narrator: This order is without precedent. 552 00:29:01,187 --> 00:29:04,792 But in the end, it makes no difference. 553 00:29:04,867 --> 00:29:07,752 They never were able to use that authority 554 00:29:07,827 --> 00:29:11,152 Because it was too late. 555 00:29:11,187 --> 00:29:15,872 Cheney's authorized to do that around about 10 past 10. 556 00:29:15,907 --> 00:29:19,159 By which time, the last flight has actually crashed. 557 00:29:21,907 --> 00:29:24,832 Narrator: Had better emergency protocols and communication 558 00:29:24,867 --> 00:29:28,359 Systems been in place, it's possible the hijacked planes 559 00:29:28,434 --> 00:29:32,112 Might have been stopped before, yet, more lives were lost. 560 00:29:32,187 --> 00:29:34,672 There were mistakes made, quite clearly. 561 00:29:34,707 --> 00:29:37,752 They were made because of operational issues. 562 00:29:37,827 --> 00:29:40,192 Because of communication breakdowns. 563 00:29:40,227 --> 00:29:44,592 Because of the bureaucracies that were involved. 564 00:29:44,627 --> 00:29:46,752 Narrator: The result is that three of the planes 565 00:29:46,787 --> 00:29:49,912 Reached the terrorists' intended targets. 566 00:29:49,987 --> 00:29:52,272 The fourth is only stopped by the bravery 567 00:29:52,307 --> 00:29:54,719 Of its passengers and crew. 568 00:29:57,307 --> 00:30:00,679 The greatest loss of life comes from the first two strikes 569 00:30:00,754 --> 00:30:03,072 On the twin towers. 570 00:30:03,107 --> 00:30:07,472 But it's not the impact that ultimately destroys them. 571 00:30:07,507 --> 00:30:10,032 Some experts have questioned whether issues 572 00:30:10,067 --> 00:30:13,232 With fireproofing may have made the towers unexpectedly 573 00:30:13,307 --> 00:30:16,999 Vulnerable to fire damage. 574 00:30:17,074 --> 00:30:18,839 The fireproofing actually wasn't applied properly 575 00:30:18,914 --> 00:30:19,952 To some of the steel elements. 576 00:30:19,961 --> 00:30:22,319 [typing sounds] 577 00:30:28,227 --> 00:30:30,832 Narrator: At the moment of impact with the twin towers, 578 00:30:30,867 --> 00:30:34,672 The two aircraft are less than an hour into their journeys. 579 00:30:34,707 --> 00:30:38,032 The hijackers had chosen the flights very carefully. 580 00:30:38,067 --> 00:30:41,472 What they wanted were long-haul flights because they wanted 581 00:30:41,507 --> 00:30:43,712 The fuel tanks to be full. 582 00:30:43,747 --> 00:30:47,952 Making the planes more effective bombs. 583 00:30:47,987 --> 00:30:51,232 Narrator: Each aircraft carries around 9,000 gallons 584 00:30:51,267 --> 00:30:52,432 Of jet fuel. 585 00:30:52,467 --> 00:30:55,799 On impact, it ignites instantly. 586 00:30:55,874 --> 00:30:58,112 Just gallons and gallons of fuel just pouring 587 00:30:58,187 --> 00:30:59,632 Through all of the shafts. 588 00:30:59,667 --> 00:31:01,232 Pouring through the emergency staircases. 589 00:31:01,267 --> 00:31:04,352 And this allowed the fire to spread more rapidly. 590 00:31:04,361 --> 00:31:07,552 Narrator: The towers' vulnerable steel skeleton has been 591 00:31:07,627 --> 00:31:10,359 Covered in fireproof material. 592 00:31:10,434 --> 00:31:12,912 But some experts believe this basic fire 593 00:31:12,947 --> 00:31:15,072 Protection may have been compromised 594 00:31:15,107 --> 00:31:18,199 Long before the attack. 595 00:31:18,274 --> 00:31:19,959 They used a new method of fireproofing. 596 00:31:20,034 --> 00:31:24,352 However, this material that they were using was relatively new. 597 00:31:24,387 --> 00:31:26,832 If it's applied to rusted steel, 598 00:31:26,867 --> 00:31:30,832 As was the case in some of the areas of the twin towers, 599 00:31:30,867 --> 00:31:34,952 It's less likely to stick properly. 600 00:31:35,027 --> 00:31:37,072 Narrator: Inspections in early 2000 601 00:31:37,107 --> 00:31:38,832 Found that throughout the buildings 602 00:31:38,867 --> 00:31:41,759 Huge sheets of fireproofing had fallen away. 603 00:31:45,027 --> 00:31:47,632 And when the jets hit, the fireproofing 604 00:31:47,667 --> 00:31:51,432 Is further compromised. 605 00:31:51,507 --> 00:31:53,472 Large parts of the steel structure 606 00:31:53,507 --> 00:31:58,112 That should be protected are now exposed to the raging blaze. 607 00:31:58,187 --> 00:32:00,752 Fireproofing for a building the size of the twin towers 608 00:32:00,787 --> 00:32:03,232 Is meant to last at least two hours. 609 00:32:03,267 --> 00:32:06,992 However, these fires were very large and very unpredictable. 610 00:32:07,027 --> 00:32:10,832 As these steel beams heat up, the floors start to sag. 611 00:32:10,841 --> 00:32:13,632 And they are pulling the outer edges in. 612 00:32:13,667 --> 00:32:18,472 And eventually, they sag so much that the floors just drop out 613 00:32:18,547 --> 00:32:22,112 And they pull the entire structure in on itself. 614 00:32:22,147 --> 00:32:23,592 You hear this echo. 615 00:32:23,667 --> 00:32:25,632 And it was bending steel. 616 00:32:25,667 --> 00:32:27,872 You could hear like this eerie, kind of, bending. 617 00:32:27,907 --> 00:32:29,272 It always reminds me of the sound that you 618 00:32:29,347 --> 00:32:30,912 Hear in the hull of a ship. 619 00:32:30,947 --> 00:32:35,072 When you hear that steel going through the ocean. 620 00:32:35,107 --> 00:32:39,392 Narrator: At 9:59 am, 56 minutes after impact, 621 00:32:39,467 --> 00:32:42,272 The south tower collapses. 622 00:32:42,307 --> 00:32:45,752 As the floors start to fail and just 623 00:32:45,827 --> 00:32:48,432 Drop on top of each other, the weight 624 00:32:48,467 --> 00:32:51,799 Is building up from the top onto the lower floors. 625 00:32:57,147 --> 00:32:58,112 [screaming] 626 00:32:58,147 --> 00:33:00,439 [crying] 627 00:33:01,987 --> 00:33:03,479 I started running. 628 00:33:03,554 --> 00:33:06,272 And I realized I had about 10 seconds left to live. 629 00:33:06,307 --> 00:33:08,032 And as I'm running, the building's 630 00:33:08,067 --> 00:33:10,272 Coming down in what we call a pancake-type of collapse. 631 00:33:10,307 --> 00:33:11,639 One floor hitting the floor below. 632 00:33:11,714 --> 00:33:13,159 Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. 633 00:33:13,234 --> 00:33:15,072 And as each floor's hitting the floor below, 634 00:33:15,147 --> 00:33:18,192 It's puffing air out like a fireplace bellows. 635 00:33:18,227 --> 00:33:19,952 And it, kind of, lifted me off my feet 636 00:33:19,961 --> 00:33:23,472 And I was flying through the air. 637 00:33:23,507 --> 00:33:26,472 At that point, I was in the middle of all these fires. 638 00:33:26,547 --> 00:33:29,152 And I was hoping that I would suffocate to death 639 00:33:29,161 --> 00:33:30,839 Before I burned to death. 640 00:33:33,107 --> 00:33:35,952 It really felt like you're in the middle of a volcano. 641 00:33:35,987 --> 00:33:38,632 And I thought the earth was just going to break apart. 642 00:33:38,707 --> 00:33:39,959 Because it was just so much-- 643 00:33:40,034 --> 00:33:41,392 So much. 644 00:33:41,427 --> 00:33:43,752 Everything being pulverized around you. 645 00:33:43,827 --> 00:33:46,439 And everything went to complete darkness. 646 00:33:48,227 --> 00:33:51,872 Narrator: Half an hour later, the north tower follows. 647 00:33:51,947 --> 00:33:54,832 The speed of collapse of these buildings was astronomical. 648 00:33:54,841 --> 00:33:57,712 The north tower took 11 seconds and the south tower 649 00:33:57,747 --> 00:33:58,832 Took nine seconds. 650 00:33:58,867 --> 00:34:00,599 [sirens] 651 00:34:02,467 --> 00:34:06,352 One moment, they were there and the next, they were rubble. 652 00:34:06,387 --> 00:34:12,752 And to just disappear in that amount of time, it's insane. 653 00:34:12,827 --> 00:34:15,472 Narrator: Had the fireproofing still been in place, 654 00:34:15,507 --> 00:34:20,192 The towers might not have collapsed as rapidly. 655 00:34:20,227 --> 00:34:25,632 Buying precious extra time for rescue and escape. 656 00:34:25,667 --> 00:34:28,112 That day was destruction and death. 657 00:34:28,147 --> 00:34:30,912 But on a level unlike anything else. 658 00:34:30,947 --> 00:34:33,432 In that moment, in just a couple of hours, 659 00:34:33,507 --> 00:34:35,799 Thousands of people died. 660 00:34:38,274 --> 00:34:41,912 Narrator: On 9/11, the death toll at the world trade center 661 00:34:41,987 --> 00:34:44,032 Was catastrophic. 662 00:34:44,067 --> 00:34:47,159 But investigations reveal flaws in both planning 663 00:34:47,234 --> 00:34:50,432 And safety procedures that slowed evacuation 664 00:34:50,467 --> 00:34:52,592 And caused confusion. 665 00:34:52,627 --> 00:34:54,272 Many believe a different approach 666 00:34:54,307 --> 00:34:56,472 Could have saved lives. 667 00:34:56,547 --> 00:35:00,272 My belief is that life safety is always lowest on the totem 668 00:35:00,307 --> 00:35:02,272 Pole in design of buildings. 669 00:35:02,307 --> 00:35:05,319 And certainly it plays itself out, 670 00:35:05,394 --> 00:35:07,632 I think, in the twin towers. 671 00:35:07,667 --> 00:35:09,879 [explosion] 672 00:35:17,147 --> 00:35:18,065 Narrator: In the months and years 673 00:35:18,141 --> 00:35:19,552 Leading to the September 11 attacks, a string of errors 674 00:35:19,627 --> 00:35:20,879 Leads to disaster. 675 00:35:23,267 --> 00:35:26,432 But on the day itself, failures in both design 676 00:35:26,467 --> 00:35:29,792 And safety procedures inside the twin towers 677 00:35:29,827 --> 00:35:32,479 Add to the mistakes costing, yet, more lives. 678 00:35:35,747 --> 00:35:38,192 You could see people hanging from the edges, 679 00:35:38,201 --> 00:35:40,999 From the cracks in the openings waving. 680 00:35:41,074 --> 00:35:43,472 And, like, looking at you like, "help me." 681 00:35:43,481 --> 00:35:45,879 [typing sounds] 682 00:35:50,707 --> 00:35:52,592 Narrator: On the morning of the attacks, 683 00:35:52,627 --> 00:35:58,632 17,400 people are inside the twin towers. 684 00:35:58,707 --> 00:36:00,952 Most are safely evacuated. 685 00:36:01,027 --> 00:36:03,799 But more than 2 and 1/2 thousand people die. 686 00:36:03,874 --> 00:36:05,959 [sirens] 687 00:36:09,267 --> 00:36:12,032 When the planes hit the towers, almost all access 688 00:36:12,107 --> 00:36:15,792 To emergency stairwells is severed. 689 00:36:15,827 --> 00:36:20,192 And nearly 2,000 people are immediately trapped. 690 00:36:20,227 --> 00:36:21,552 I'm watching people. 691 00:36:21,587 --> 00:36:23,319 They're waving to me as if to say come up and get us. 692 00:36:23,394 --> 00:36:25,792 We can't take it no more. 693 00:36:25,827 --> 00:36:29,872 If you were at a floor that was above where the planes hit, 694 00:36:29,907 --> 00:36:34,192 Those people didn't have much of a chance. 695 00:36:34,201 --> 00:36:38,032 Narrator: Just 18 people above the south tower impact site 696 00:36:38,067 --> 00:36:40,032 Find a way down. 697 00:36:40,067 --> 00:36:42,992 Each tower had three emergency staircases 698 00:36:43,027 --> 00:36:46,112 Within the center core of the building. 699 00:36:46,147 --> 00:36:47,872 Narrator: The impact of the planes 700 00:36:47,907 --> 00:36:51,112 Takes out all three emergency routes in the north tower 701 00:36:51,187 --> 00:36:54,992 And two in the south tower. 702 00:36:55,027 --> 00:36:57,752 Incredibly, having such a small number 703 00:36:57,827 --> 00:37:02,239 Of staircases in a building 110 stories high is legal. 704 00:37:05,507 --> 00:37:09,152 As the towers were being constructed in 1968, 705 00:37:09,187 --> 00:37:12,192 A new building code was issued. 706 00:37:12,201 --> 00:37:14,072 This allowed the number of stairwells 707 00:37:14,147 --> 00:37:18,199 In each of the twin towers to be reduced from six to three. 708 00:37:20,547 --> 00:37:23,912 They tried to maximize on as much rentable space 709 00:37:23,987 --> 00:37:25,392 As they can. 710 00:37:25,427 --> 00:37:27,232 I don't think three emergency staircases 711 00:37:27,267 --> 00:37:28,952 Were enough for a building that was meant to house over 712 00:37:29,027 --> 00:37:30,912 Tens of thousands of people. 713 00:37:30,947 --> 00:37:32,679 Even if you added one extra staircase in this building, 714 00:37:32,754 --> 00:37:35,079 It just wouldn't have been enough to save people that day. 715 00:37:37,507 --> 00:37:40,792 Narrator: After the first impact, with no way out, 716 00:37:40,867 --> 00:37:46,199 Everyone above the crash site in the north tower is trapped. 717 00:37:46,274 --> 00:37:48,352 The main structure is holding. 718 00:37:48,361 --> 00:37:51,799 So there's still time for the people below the 93rd floor 719 00:37:51,874 --> 00:37:55,159 To start to evacuate. 720 00:37:55,234 --> 00:37:58,512 But in the south tower, which has not yet been hit, 721 00:37:58,547 --> 00:38:02,992 No evacuation order at all is issued at this point. 722 00:38:03,027 --> 00:38:04,912 The first messages in the world trade center 723 00:38:04,987 --> 00:38:07,472 Were stay in place. 724 00:38:07,507 --> 00:38:09,592 And some people were told to stay in their offices 725 00:38:09,667 --> 00:38:12,952 When they should have been heading for those stairways. 726 00:38:13,027 --> 00:38:16,832 Narrator: Then at 9:02, just one minute before the south tower 727 00:38:16,867 --> 00:38:19,232 Is hit, there's a second announcement. 728 00:38:19,267 --> 00:38:22,832 Telling people to evacuate. 729 00:38:22,841 --> 00:38:25,592 But it is too late. 730 00:38:25,667 --> 00:38:28,519 Of the hundreds of people above the 77th floor 731 00:38:28,594 --> 00:38:31,312 In the south tower, only those who ignored 732 00:38:31,347 --> 00:38:34,592 The stay in place instruction make it. 733 00:38:34,627 --> 00:38:36,832 The people who started going downstairs 734 00:38:36,867 --> 00:38:39,472 And didn't turn back, they survived it. 735 00:38:39,507 --> 00:38:42,592 Had you told people from the onset, everybody evacuate 736 00:38:42,667 --> 00:38:44,679 Everywhere, could you have saved lives? 737 00:38:44,754 --> 00:38:45,959 Yes. 738 00:38:47,427 --> 00:38:49,639 Narrator: After the second tower is hit, 739 00:38:49,714 --> 00:38:53,632 The rest of the world trade center complex is evacuated. 740 00:38:53,667 --> 00:38:56,992 But a decision made two years before 9/11 741 00:38:57,027 --> 00:38:58,799 Contributes to the chaos. 742 00:39:00,547 --> 00:39:05,112 And new york's finest are among those it goes on to effect. 743 00:39:05,187 --> 00:39:07,232 I lost so many of my friends. 744 00:39:07,307 --> 00:39:09,432 Some of these friends that I knew 745 00:39:09,507 --> 00:39:11,152 Were only a couple of feet away from me. 746 00:39:11,187 --> 00:39:13,479 [typing sounds] 747 00:39:18,227 --> 00:39:21,159 Narrator: In 1999, the new york emergency 748 00:39:21,234 --> 00:39:24,352 Operations center is set up in building 7 749 00:39:24,361 --> 00:39:26,992 At the world trade center. 750 00:39:27,001 --> 00:39:30,192 It is responsible for the coordination of all the city's 751 00:39:30,227 --> 00:39:34,879 Emergency services in the event of a major disaster. 752 00:39:36,547 --> 00:39:40,832 All the various agencies were coordinated in that site. 753 00:39:40,867 --> 00:39:43,152 And they could talk to each other. 754 00:39:43,187 --> 00:39:45,392 The idea was they could make sensible decisions 755 00:39:45,427 --> 00:39:50,112 As to what to do and in a unified manner. 756 00:39:50,147 --> 00:39:52,272 Narrator: But many of new york's officials 757 00:39:52,307 --> 00:39:55,999 Warn against this very high profile location. 758 00:39:58,467 --> 00:40:00,592 It would have been a better choice to put it elsewhere 759 00:40:00,627 --> 00:40:01,799 Because the world trade center 760 00:40:01,874 --> 00:40:04,432 Had already been under attack once. 761 00:40:04,467 --> 00:40:06,992 They actually put them right in the middle of the biggest 762 00:40:07,027 --> 00:40:10,432 Target in new york city. 763 00:40:10,507 --> 00:40:13,479 Narrator: Just two years after the move to building 7, 764 00:40:13,554 --> 00:40:16,039 Those fears become reality. 765 00:40:18,467 --> 00:40:21,639 Less than an hour before the twin towers collapse, 766 00:40:21,714 --> 00:40:26,512 The emergency operations center is evacuated. 767 00:40:26,547 --> 00:40:28,432 All the people that work in the office of emergency 768 00:40:28,467 --> 00:40:31,272 Management who are supposed to be coordinating 769 00:40:31,347 --> 00:40:32,912 The incident in the twin towers 770 00:40:32,947 --> 00:40:34,592 Had to vacate their own offices. 771 00:40:34,667 --> 00:40:37,952 So they became totally ineffective. 772 00:40:37,987 --> 00:40:39,632 Narrator: In the most deadly attack 773 00:40:39,667 --> 00:40:42,679 New york has ever faced, coordination between 774 00:40:42,754 --> 00:40:45,752 Its emergency services is almost non-existent. 775 00:40:45,827 --> 00:40:47,159 [sirens] 776 00:40:48,754 --> 00:40:50,952 Just after 10:00 am, a police helicopter 777 00:40:51,027 --> 00:40:54,839 Radios in a terrifying warning. 778 00:40:54,914 --> 00:40:57,752 They saw the north tower rocking back and forth. 779 00:40:57,827 --> 00:41:00,312 And they radioed down that they, kind of, 780 00:41:00,387 --> 00:41:04,432 Surmised that the buildings might actually collapse. 781 00:41:04,467 --> 00:41:07,232 A lot of police officers were able to get out of the tower 782 00:41:07,267 --> 00:41:09,232 Because they heard that. 783 00:41:09,267 --> 00:41:12,512 The firefighters and the fire commanders, 784 00:41:12,547 --> 00:41:16,912 From what I understand, did not have that information. 785 00:41:16,947 --> 00:41:19,632 Narrator: With no access to police communications, 786 00:41:19,667 --> 00:41:22,352 Firefighters in the tower keep climbing. 787 00:41:22,361 --> 00:41:25,592 Unaware of the coming disaster. 788 00:41:25,667 --> 00:41:27,712 They had a different system of communication. 789 00:41:27,747 --> 00:41:29,112 And they weren't interoperable. 790 00:41:29,187 --> 00:41:31,312 They didn't talk to each other. 791 00:41:31,347 --> 00:41:34,199 And a lot of them were killed because of that. 792 00:41:34,274 --> 00:41:36,832 Narrator: Had the emergency operations center been fully 793 00:41:36,867 --> 00:41:40,352 Functional and communication links centralized, 794 00:41:40,387 --> 00:41:42,472 The chaos of the emergency response 795 00:41:42,547 --> 00:41:44,272 Might have been avoided. 796 00:41:44,307 --> 00:41:47,712 And fewer lives lost. 797 00:41:47,747 --> 00:41:54,512 Instead, 403 new york first responders die on 9/11. 798 00:41:54,547 --> 00:41:57,912 Firefighters and police officers basically 799 00:41:57,987 --> 00:42:00,352 Sacrificed their lives. 800 00:42:00,387 --> 00:42:02,112 But this was the greatest rescue effort 801 00:42:02,147 --> 00:42:06,432 Ever undertaken, under the worst possible conditions. 802 00:42:06,467 --> 00:42:07,632 And I don't think they would ever 803 00:42:07,667 --> 00:42:09,072 Do anything different, again. 804 00:42:09,107 --> 00:42:10,592 That's just what we do and that's 805 00:42:10,667 --> 00:42:11,759 What people expect of us. 806 00:42:15,987 --> 00:42:21,472 Narrator: The 9/11 attacks left 2,973 people dead 807 00:42:21,507 --> 00:42:23,632 And many more injured. 808 00:42:23,667 --> 00:42:28,032 It also opened the world's eyes to a new terror. 809 00:42:28,067 --> 00:42:32,792 Al-qaeda had declared war on america, but america had 810 00:42:32,867 --> 00:42:35,872 Not declared war on al-qaeda. 811 00:42:35,907 --> 00:42:38,072 That might have been a mistake. 812 00:42:38,147 --> 00:42:40,512 I mean, the number of americans were killed in this thing. 813 00:42:40,547 --> 00:42:42,359 It was horrific. 814 00:42:42,434 --> 00:42:45,072 The attack on the soil of the united states was horrific. 815 00:42:45,107 --> 00:42:47,872 What it did to our whole posture, our whole psyche. 816 00:42:47,907 --> 00:42:50,632 You ask anybody where they were on that day 817 00:42:50,707 --> 00:42:52,432 And they'll tell you. 818 00:42:52,467 --> 00:42:54,359 Because it's seared in the memory. 819 00:42:56,467 --> 00:42:59,479 Narrator: No single mistake allowed the horrific events 820 00:42:59,554 --> 00:43:02,679 Of September 11th to take place. 821 00:43:02,754 --> 00:43:06,912 But together, they paved the road to disaster. 822 00:43:06,987 --> 00:43:10,192 The biggest oversight was the lack of communication. 823 00:43:10,227 --> 00:43:12,672 When you have a lack of communication, 824 00:43:12,707 --> 00:43:15,159 Opportunities are missed. 825 00:43:15,234 --> 00:43:18,199 And when that happens, we could very well 826 00:43:18,274 --> 00:43:22,839 See events like we saw on 9/11. 827 00:43:22,914 --> 00:43:26,839 Narrator: Now, two decades after the 9/11 attacks, 828 00:43:26,914 --> 00:43:31,912 They are mistakes no one wants to make again. 829 00:43:31,987 --> 00:43:34,032 The strategies of terrorist organizations historically 830 00:43:34,107 --> 00:43:35,112 Have morphed. 831 00:43:35,187 --> 00:43:36,592 They look for weakness. 832 00:43:36,627 --> 00:43:40,112 So one should anticipate that they're looking 833 00:43:40,147 --> 00:43:44,032 To game whatever security system is in place. 834 00:43:44,067 --> 00:43:45,912 If there's any silver lining to 9/11, 835 00:43:45,987 --> 00:43:49,312 It's that it exposed the ways in which 836 00:43:49,347 --> 00:43:52,992 Our intelligence community and our national security approach 837 00:43:53,001 --> 00:43:54,832 Was obsolete. 838 00:43:54,867 --> 00:43:56,512 It showed all of the places 839 00:43:56,521 --> 00:43:59,872 That we need to change and adapt in order 840 00:43:59,907 --> 00:44:01,799 To confront the new threat.