9/11 Terrorists Reported to Airport Officials before Attacks

911 Terrorists Reported to Airport Officials before Attacks

The words “we will never forget,” have remained the truth, as each year, since 9/11/2001, people gather in remembrance of everyone affected by the tragedy of senseless plane crashes. As the story developed live, years ago, this tragedy was labeled as a terrorist attack on America, and it’s sad to say, “hindsight is 20/20.”

Recently-released, eye-witness accounts have surfaced, revealing some terrifying discoveries: at least three people spotted al Qaeda hijackers casing security checkpoints at Boston’s Logan Airport months before the 9/11 incident. The eye witnesses even spoke up, but to their dismay, they were ignored. 9/11 Terrorists Reported to Airport Officials before Attacks

One of these witnesses, Stephen J. Wallace, a 17-year American Airlines technician, remembers the morning of May 11, 2001 vividly as he alerted Logan authorities that two men – one of whom was identified as Mohamed Atta – were acting suspiciously outside the main security checkpoint. Wallace said that one man was videotaping and taking photos of a flight boarding to Washington, D.C. and the checkpoint from about 25 feet away, while the other man was speaking loudly in Arabic on his cellphone. Wallace reported that this behavior lasted for at least 45 minutes.

Wallace approached the two men, pointing to a display of prohibited items and asked them if their bags contained any of this “stuff.” In response, the men grabbed their belongings and raced to another checkpoint. Wallace pursued them, alerting several authorities during the chase. However, authorities did nothing, even though they had the authority to investigate anybody. Two months prior to this incident federal authorities issued an airline advisory that al Qaeda terrorists are known to conduct surveillance before an attack.

The reality is that two terrorist hijackers were allowed to go through airport security without being stopped and asked for their names, tickets, driver’s license or passport, opening their bags or patting them down.

Could at least part of te 9/11 tragedy been prevented? It’s eerie to consider, isn’t it?

(Article image from worldmag.com and slide show image from Larry Bruce / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.