The Unseen Faces of the Twin Towers on 9/11: Those Who Mispredicted Their Presence

On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) crumbled. However, not all the occupants who were supposed to be present were present that day. This article delves into the stories of these unseen faces and the reasons behind their unexpected absence.

Paul O’Neill: The Secretary of the Treasury

Undisclosed, Paul O’Neill, then-Secretary of the Treasury, was supposed to attend a meeting with several bankers and financiers on the day of the 9/11 attacks. The meeting was unexpectedly canceled late on September 10th when attendees received urgent phone calls informing them not to attend the next morning. This was kept under wraps, leaving many in the dark about the planned gathering.

Larry Silverstein: A Financial Winner and a Wary Warned

Larry Silverstein, who stands as a financial victor from the 9/11 attacks, was no stranger to the WTC complex. Silverstein had obtained a clause that would grant him double the insurance payout in case of a terrorist attack. Furthermore, he was known to have breakfast in the tower with his daughter every day. Given the sophistication of precautions, it's noteworthy that Silverstein and his family were warned via ODIGO instant messenger service. This warning allowed them to stay away and, presumably, avoid the fateful day.

Other Unexpected Absences

Several other individuals and groups were also scheduled to be in the WTC on 9/11, but did not show up:

Primary Election: New York City's Political Day. The city was set to hold a primary election the day before. Participation in this political engagement might have taken priority for some city residents. First Day of School: New Students and Nervous Parents. For many, it was the first day of school for their children. First-time parents would have likely ensured their children were safely dropped off before heading to work. Football Fans: The New York Giants' Night. The previous evening, a televised Monday night football game featuring the NY Giants had gone into overtime. Many fans may have opted to come in later or missed the game entirely to ensure they arrived at work on time.

Conclusion

It is evident that September 11, 2001, was no different from any other day in terms of the unexpected. Even in the towering structures of the World Trade Center, there were works who either had unforeseen absences or were advised not to attend. Central to any large building, unexpected absences can arise, and for the WTC, a combination of unforeseen circumstances and preemptive warnings ensured that not everyone who could have been present was there.