Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer Tweets 9/11 Account

September 11, 2014 11:18 AM EDT

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer was in a motorcade on the way to an elementary school visit in Florida with President George W. Bush when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North World Trade Tower at 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001. Thirteen years later, Fleischer chose to live tweet his personal account of how events unfolded that day. A selection of what Fleischer recalled:

The moment he realized what had happened was an act of terrorism:

Just before Andy walked in, I got a 2nd page saying the 2nd tower had been hit. I knew instantly it had to be terrorism.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Decisions made in real-time that were later criticized:

The Pres. was going to address the press re the "accident". Given the news re the 2nd tower, I didn't think he should address the press yet.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

I wrote on back of a legal pad "DON'T SAY ANYTHING YET". I wanted him 2b briefed b4 talking. I put my back to the press & held up the sign.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

The President continued the reading event for several more minutes. Years later, Michael Moore criticized Bush for not leaving immediately.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Bush said later he stayed 2collect his thoughts and send a signal of calm. He said he didn't want 2bolt from his chair and alarm the nation.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Photographs of President Bush watching the news:

Someone wheeled a TV into the holding room. Here's the scene: pic.twitter.com/x9A3RTQykd
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Times of frustration and technology issues:

Maddeningly, the phone connecting the Pres. to the bunker under the WH (PEOC - Presidential Emergency Operations Center) kept cutting out.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Moments of fear:

"A call came into the switchboard saying 'Angel is next,'" Bush said. 'Angel' was the codeword for Air Force One.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Col. Tillman, upon hearing the news, posted an armed Air Force Security Officer at the base of the steps leading up to the cockpit of AFOne.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Think about that. Aboard one of the most secure spots on earth, with nothing but trusted aides/Secret Service, the fear was an inside attack
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

And resolve:

Bush also told VP - and I quote - "We're at war Dick and we're going to find out who did this and we're going to kick their ass."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Fleischer shares the copious notes he took throughout the day:

My notes show I wrote that a commercial popped up on the TV for a hair removal product. Seemed a little out of place...
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Here is a copy of one page from my notes while all this was going on: pic.twitter.com/xpqWXWLMAQ
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014

Click here to read Fleischer’s real-time account of Sept. 11, 2001.

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer Tweets Gripping 9/11 Account

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