‘Get Out Now’ – Inside the White House on 9/11, According to the Staffers Who Were There
The Day of Terror
On September 11, 2001, America experienced one of its deadliest and most infamous terrorist attacks in history. Two planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, while another struck the Pentagon, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. In the midst of this chaos, the White House, the heart of American democracy, also became a target.A Routine Morning Interrupted
As the sun rose on September 11th, the White House staff went about their daily routines. President George W. Bush was in Florida, attending a meeting with elementary school students. Vice President Dick Cheney was at his residence, preparing for a speech he was scheduled to give later that day. The White House was bustling with activity, as it typically did on a Tuesday morning. Then, at 8:46 a.m., everything changed.American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, sending shockwaves across the country. Within minutes, word of the attack reached the White House. Staffers rushed to their television screens, watching in horror as the towers billowed smoke and flames. The realization that America was under attack set in quickly.
The Evacuation
As the severity of the situation became clear, the Secret Service made the decision to evacuate the White House. Staffers were instructed to leave the building immediately and gather on the South Lawn. Some staffers ran for their lives, unsure of what was happening or where to go. Others remained calm, helping to guide their colleagues to safety.The evacuation was chaotic, but it was also efficient. Within minutes, the White House was empty, with only a few Secret Service agents remaining to secure the building. President Bush was rushed back to Washington, D.C., and taken to a secure location. Vice President Cheney was also evacuated and taken to a safe house.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks was devastating for the United States. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, and the country was left reeling from the shock and horror of the event. The White House, once a symbol of American power and stability, had been targeted by terrorists.In the days and weeks that followed, the White House staff worked tirelessly to help the country recover from the attacks. They provided support to the victims' families, helped to coordinate the response to the attacks, and worked to restore a sense of normalcy to the country. The White House also became a symbol of resilience and hope, as the American people came together to rebuild and move forward.
The events of September 11, 2001, are forever etched in the memory of the American people. The White House staff who were there that day witnessed firsthand the horror and chaos of the attacks. They also witnessed the strength and resilience of the American people, who came together to overcome a great tragedy.
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