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

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • 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.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities