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America Under Siege
Updated 3:45 p.m. ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), Sept 11, 2001 - Shortly before 9 a.m. e.s.t., the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York was hit by a commercial airline. Just 18 minutes later, a second commercial plane crashed into the South Tower. Shortly after 10 a.m., the South Tower collapsed and at 10:28 a.m. the North Tower collapsed leaving Lower Manhattan engulfed in heavy black smoke and falling debris. Over 1,260 businesses with over 50,000 people were located in the towers. At 9:40 a.m., another aircraft crashed into the heliport at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. In a statement from Barksdale Air Force Base in Shrevesport, LA., President George Bush said that "Freedom was attacked this morning by a faceless coward. Freedom will be protected. The U.S. will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts. We have taken all appropriate security precautions to protect the American people," he emphasized. "The resolve of our great nation is being tested. Make no mistake, we will show the world that we will past this test," stated Bush. He added that he had been in contact with Congress and with leaders around the world to assure them the all necessary action would be taken to protect Americans. Bush has put the U.S. Army on full war time state of alert in the U.S and around the world. Navy ships are being sent to New York Harbor to assist with emergency services. The National Guard has been called to Washington, D.C. The White House, Pentagon and the Capital were evacuated shortly after the attacks. The events have affected businesses and activities in every major city. From wire reports earlier today, Morgan Stanley, who operated on 50 floors in the Trade Center, has established an emergency contact phone number for employees and their families. The number is 1-888-883-4391. United Airlines has established an emergency phone number, 1-800-932-8555 and American Airlines has issued an emergency phone number, 800-245-0999. The Red Cross has also put out an emergency call for blood, 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
In St. Louis, Archbishop Justin Rigali issued a statement on the tragic happenings of this day: "The whole world has been stunned by the incredible acts of violence that have hit this country. Hence we realize how fragile life is and how great the power of evil is. All of this shows us that our hope is in the living God. We are called at this time to turn to God 'in whom we live and move and have our being,' and to ask for His protection in our lives. We ask God's mercy on the victims and His strength and consolation for their families. We pray for the thousands of people called to render help and assistance. We beseech God to grant peace among nations and to remove from human hearts all sentiments of hatred. May God give us hope in the midst of great tragedy. May our whole community respond to this disaster with solidarity and prayer." Archbishop Rigali will offer a special Mass for Peace and Justice this evening, (Sept 11) for the victims of today's tragedies. The Mass will be offered at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in the Central West End. American Airlines confirmed today that it lost two aircraft in tragic incidents this morning. American said the flights were Flight 11, a Boeing 767 en route from Boston to Los Angeles with 81 passengers, nine flight attendants and two pilots; and Flight 77, a Boeing 757 operating from Washington Dulles to Los Angeles with 58 passengers, four flight attendants and two pilots. Because of the heightened security due to the nature of today's events, American said it is working closely with U.S. government authorities and will not release more information at this time. "We are horrified by these tragic events," said Donald J. Carty, chairman and CEO of American Airlines. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all involved." In a briefing Tuesday afternoon, White House spokeswoman Karen Hughes noted while some Federal buildings have been evacuated for security reasons to protect workers, the Federal Government continues to function. "We have a Federal emergency response plan and at President Bush's directions, we are implementing it." Hughes stated that members of the National Security team, the President's Cabinet and senior staff have been secured and are safe. She emphasized that Air Force One had landed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska and the President is in a secured location. Hughes confirmed that the FAA had suspended all airline flights until at least noon Wednesday. "The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated eight Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces in New York," she continued. "Four of these highly-trained teams are here at work in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon." "The Department of Health and Human Services has mobilized medical personnel and supplies to provide help to local authorities who are working so diligently to respond and try to help the victims of these terrible attacks," stated Hughes. 
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