Terrorism, Tragedy and Valor
On September 11, 2001, the most horrible act of terrorism ever launched against American civilians and other innocent victims occurred. As news reports reached us of planes crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, we at NDAA and APRI peered from our windows and saw the first streams of smoke west of Reagan National Airport rising from the deliberate plane crash into the Pentagon. Before news media had mentioned the probable causes of these tragedies, it was apparent that violent acts of terrorism were in progress. Once again, horrific and intentional criminal acts were endangering citizens’ lives. This time, the criminal acts were carefully planned, exacted an unprecedented toll … and the whole world was watching.
Terrorism, both foreign and domestic, represents an extreme form of criminal violence. This recent incident, not part of an organized military conflict, resulted in the immediate deaths of thousands of innocent victims and is the most violent crime ever perpetrated on American soil. It is the first such incident to close the nation’s capital and agencies, the nation’s airlines, to require the president, first family and key national leaders to be moved to safe locations, to threaten the nation’s military command and place our troops on high alert. The national impacts were dramatic and the consequences will be lasting.
Prosecutors typically are engaged in combating more traditional forms of violent crime and neighborhood terrors that occur on a smaller scale. The recurring human tragedies resulting from violent crimes across the nation also represent terrors and tragedies to individuals, homes and communities. Whether sudden or gradual, large or small, violence against innocent citizens remains intolerable in any form. We must never forget the roles of prosecutors, law enforcement, firefighters and public safety officials at all levels—federal, state and local—who dedicate themselves and risk their own safety and livelihoods in protecting others from acts of violence that threaten a free society.
This recent act of terrorism reveals the resolve and commitment of our criminal justice and public safety officials and our citizens. Acts of heroism and personal sacrifice abound. Hundreds of police and firefighters placed themselves in harm’s way, sacrificing their lives to assist and save others. The late Barbara Olson, a former federal prosecutor held captive onboard the hijacked jet that plowed into the Pentagon, called her husband, the solicitor general of the United States, to share information and seek advice on how to thwart the terrorist act. Citizens in New York and the Washington, DC area stood in long lines to donate blood to those in need. Healthcare workers and emergency crews worked endless hours under trying circumstances to rescue and save others. Our military has been called into action and soldiers are now being placed in harm’s way.
This recent senseless tragedy serves to demonstrate that our nation’s officials and citizens stand ready to respond to violent acts, both large and small. Victims of violence need and deserve our assistance. The prosecution community stands in solidarity with law enforcement, public safety and health officials, U.S. military personnel and citizens across America in doing whatever is possible to prevent and respond to senseless violence. Our prayers are with those now engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom. In the end, prosecutors, like others, are committed to saving lives. That is the bottom line. There is no higher calling, nor more noble profession. God bless America.
