The Day That Changed the World
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On September 11, 2001, 19 members of the jihadist terror group Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, using them as weapons in a coordinated attack on the United States. Two of the planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers and the death of nearly 3,000 people.2 The aftermath of this event reshaped U.S. foreign policy and left a lasting impact on the world.
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Kei Sugimoto recently discovered boxes of old video tapes while cleaning his closet. Among them was footage he captured on 9/11 using a Sony VX2000 camera. Concerned that some tapes had already deteriorated, Sugimoto quickly digitized the footage, revealing a perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse that had never been seen before.
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The footage, filmed from the roof of a building at 64 St Marks Place in New York City, offers a view of the Twin Towers collapse from the north, a perspective not commonly seen in other recordings. As the towers billow with black smoke before collapsing, viewers are given a chilling reminder of the events of that day. One viewer noted, “This footage offers a unique perspective not seen from the south or east”.
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Since its release on July 23, 2023, Sugimoto’s footage has gone viral , sparking discussions across social media platforms. Many users expressed astonishment that new footage of the Twin Tower collapse could still emerge so many years later. “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” one Reddit user commented.
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The release of this footage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving historical records. As one Reddit user reflected, “Makes me wonder how much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed”. This footage not only provides a new visual of 9/11 but also reinforces the collective memory of an event that shaped the 21st century.
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Kei Sugimoto’s decision to release this footage adds another layer to the complex narrative of 9/11. The new angle provides a unique visual account of the Twin Towers’ collapse, ensuring that future generations can witness and understand the magnitude of the events that unfolded on that fateful day. As the footage continues to circulate, it serves as both a historical document and a reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11.
