The Day That Changed the World

On September 11, 2001, 19 members of the jihadist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes in a coordinated attack against the United States. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers and the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. This attack had far-reaching consequences, reshaping U.S. foreign policy and leaving a lasting global impact.

Rediscovering the Footage

Sugimoto recently stumbled upon old video tapes while cleaning out his closet. Among them was footage he recorded on 9/11 using a Sony VX2000 camera. Concerned about the condition of the tapes, he quickly digitized the video, unveiling a previously unseen perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse.

A New View of the Collapse

The footage, captured from the roof of a building at 64 St. Marks Place in New York City, provides a rare northern view of the towers’ collapse. The video shows the towers enveloped in black smoke before they crumble, offering a haunting reminder of that catastrophic day. One viewer observed, “This footage shows a perspective not typically seen from the south or east.”

Public Reaction to the Footage

Since being released on July 23, 2023, the video has gained widespread attention on social media, sparking conversations and reactions. Many expressed surprise that new footage of 9/11 could still surface after so many years. One Reddit user commented, “It’s incredible that nearly 23 years later, new footage is still coming to light.”

The Historical Importance of the Footage

The release of this footage highlights the value of preserving historical records. As one online commenter reflected, “It makes you wonder how much history is sitting in people’s attics or basements, waiting to be discovered.” This video not only provides a new visual account of the events of 9/11 but also strengthens the collective memory of an event that has defined the 21st century.

Conclusion: Preserving a Legacy

Kei Sugimoto’s decision to release this footage contributes a unique piece to the complex story of 9/11. The fresh perspective offers future generations a new visual understanding of the Twin Towers’ collapse, ensuring the events of that day remain vividly remembered. As the footage continues to circulate, it serves as a historical document and a stark reminder of the lasting impact of 9/11.