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Pete Burke | profile | all galleries >> September 11, 2001 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

September 11, 2001

This is a very personal collection of photographs that document my experience on 9/11/01. Please take a few moments to scan through the pages. September 11, 2001, 8:46 am. I was asleep on the 7th floor of an apartment building just 2 blocks south of WTC 2. I was awoken by the terrible sound of an explosion, followed by falling debris and shattering glass. I grabbed my camera, and ran to the street to document what was happening. This is a first hand survivor's account of what happened on that awful day. - Pete 9/6/02
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The World Trade Center in one of my 1999 photographs.
The World Trade Center in one of my 1999 photographs.		 This was the view out of my 7th floor window just after 8:42 a.m. There was still debris coming down from the tower.
This was the view out of my 7th floor window just after 8:42 a.m. There was still debris coming down from the tower.		 There were tons of office paper floating in the air, some of it on fire. There was a layer of debris on the street below.
There were tons of office paper floating in the air, some of it on fire. There was a layer of debris on the street below.		 Greenwich Street, 8:46a.m. Debris all over the street and sidewalk.
Greenwich Street, 8:46a.m. Debris all over the street and sidewalk.
I wanted to document the debris on the sidewalk. Mostly pulverized concrete and sheetrock.
I wanted to document the debris on the sidewalk. Mostly pulverized concrete and sheetrock.		 On Albany Street, two blocks south of WTC 2, Two men examine a seat cushion from AA Flight 11. 8:52 a.m.
On Albany Street, two blocks south of WTC 2, Two men examine a seat cushion from AA Flight 11. 8:52 a.m.		 Woman crossing Greenwich Street seemingly unaffected by the chaos surrounding her. 8:53a.m.
Woman crossing Greenwich Street seemingly unaffected by the chaos surrounding her. 8:53a.m.		 8:54 a.m. At the corner of Greenwich and Liberty, debris and fire. there were torn body parts everywhere.
8:54 a.m. At the corner of Greenwich and Liberty, debris and fire. there were torn body parts everywhere.
I made my way up Liberty St. amidst debris and chaos.
I made my way up Liberty St. amidst debris and chaos.		 Now at the corner of Church and Liberty, I could hear debris crashing to the ground.
Now at the corner of Church and Liberty, I could hear debris crashing to the ground.		 I knew I had to get out of the way. 8:57 a.m. This is facing North on Church St. WTC to my left.
I knew I had to get out of the way. 8:57 a.m. This is facing North on Church St. WTC to my left.		 People began running as debris crashed nearby. I had to find a somewhere safe to go.
People began running as debris crashed nearby. I had to find a somewhere safe to go.
I ran down this ramp below One Liberty Plaza, across the street from WTC, to find shelter. (Recent Photo)
I ran down this ramp below One Liberty Plaza, across the street from WTC, to find shelter. (Recent Photo)		 I couldn't believe what I was seeing. People were jumping from upper floors and landing on the ground below.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. People were jumping from upper floors and landing on the ground below.		 The sight was unimaginable. My mouth went completely dry. I fought to catch my breath. For a few moments, I stopped shooting..
The sight was unimaginable. My mouth went completely dry. I fought to catch my breath. For a few moments, I stopped shooting..		 Then, the sound. The roar of a jet pierced the sky. The plane hit WTC 2 with unbelievable force. 9:03 a.m.
Then, the sound. The roar of a jet pierced the sky. The plane hit WTC 2 with unbelievable force. 9:03 a.m.
I was sure I was going to die. A massive wave of steel and glass rained down on the street below including parts of the plane.
I was sure I was going to die. A massive wave of steel and glass rained down on the street below including parts of the plane.		 I had to get out of there. There was flaming debris landing all around me. I decided to run for it back to my apartment.
I had to get out of there. There was flaming debris landing all around me. I decided to run for it back to my apartment.		 Both towers now stood crippled and burning. I ran back to my aprartment dodging flaming debris. 9:04 a.m.
Both towers now stood crippled and burning. I ran back to my aprartment dodging flaming debris. 9:04 a.m.		 Still in Lower Manhattan, I'm anticipating the next attack. I thought it might come in the form of missles, planes, or bombs.
Still in Lower Manhattan, I'm anticipating the next attack. I thought it might come in the form of missles, planes, or bombs.
This is a shot looking back on Wall Street after both collapses. 11:10 a.m.
This is a shot looking back on Wall Street after both collapses. 11:10 a.m.		 After walking for several blocks in complete darkness and choking ash, I was finally able to see on Wall St.
After walking for several blocks in complete darkness and choking ash, I was finally able to see on Wall St.		 As I walked towards the FDR drive, I was just happy to see daylight.
As I walked towards the FDR drive, I was just happy to see daylight.		 Houston St. should be busy on a Tuesday morning, now, nearly empty.
Houston St. should be busy on a Tuesday morning, now, nearly empty.
Once I reached the West Side Hwy, I was exhausted and dazed. I wanted to try and find a ferry to Jersey.
Once I reached the West Side Hwy, I was exhausted and dazed. I wanted to try and find a ferry to Jersey.		 The wait for ferries was 8-10 hours, so I walked to Penn Station and was able to get a train to New Jersey.
The wait for ferries was 8-10 hours, so I walked to Penn Station and was able to get a train to New Jersey.		 I crossed me fingers until the train got to the Jersey side, we could see that there had been another collapse. It was WTC 7
I crossed me fingers until the train got to the Jersey side, we could see that there had been another collapse. It was WTC 7		 The rear facade was all that remained of WTC 1
The rear facade was all that remained of WTC 1
Exterior wall of WTC 2 from Washington St.
Exterior wall of WTC 2 from Washington St.		 Destroyed car in Battery Parking Garage.
Destroyed car in Battery Parking Garage.		 WTC 4, completely destroyed. View from Greenwich Street, October 2001.
WTC 4, completely destroyed. View from Greenwich Street, October 2001.		 On September 18, I returned to my apartment to gather my belongings.
On September 18, I returned to my apartment to gather my belongings.
Everthing was still covered in a layer of ash.
Everthing was still covered in a layer of ash.		 The military presence was everywhere. There were checkpoints set up all over the city.
The military presence was everywhere. There were checkpoints set up all over the city.		 This building on Crtlandt St. was utterly destroyed.
This building on Crtlandt St. was utterly destroyed.		 I was escorted into my building by two police officers and given 15 minutes to gather my belongings.
I was escorted into my building by two police officers and given 15 minutes to gather my belongings.
As I left the city Sep 18, it was still smoldering.
As I left the city Sep 18, it was still smoldering.		 September 11, 2002 on the way to the memorial ceremony in lower Manhattan.
September 11, 2002 on the way to the memorial ceremony in lower Manhattan.		 New York's altered skyline, one year later.
New York's altered skyline, one year later.		 September 11,2002
September 11,2002
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Guest 17-Jan-2012 15:35
People like nonhocapito, if you don't mind me saying so, are assholes. I recommned that everybody uses links to Pete's site to contradict the lies that the so-called "9/11 Truthers" tell on 9/11. Your pics capture the REAL truth, not the revisionism they insist on advocating.
Pete Burke 10-Jan-2011 10:42
You're right. I can't keep it a secret anymore. The photos are fakes. I'm a former operative for the Bush Administration, and when I wasn't busy rigging the World Trade Center with explosives for the big controlled demolition, I was busy photoshopping these elaborate fake photos. I commend you on your 9/11 conspiracy detective work, kudos! Now that I've been exposed, you can reveal to the world that this was all just a big, elaborate hoax. You'll be hailed as the next great American hero. Good work my friend.
nonhocapito 10-Oct-2010 15:29
nice fake pictures, with nice fake people in them. question, what "pulverized concrete" was supposed to be doing on sidewalks before the towers fell?
Angel 01-Dec-2007 04:37
just came across your photos... was moved by this gallery... keep shooting! great work!
Dick Atkin (U.K.) 17-Apr-2006 10:14
Pete,
Discovered this collection by chance whilst browsing pbase. I was moved by the personal account of one of the residents i.e. not press etc..... The images confirm what the rest of us can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Gil Azouri 29-Mar-2006 17:07
You did an amazing job documenting this very sad day in history. Words cannot explain how I feel when I look at these pictures.
Libero Api 16-Feb-2005 07:17
Very impressive reportage...
Guest 19-Oct-2004 17:41
I came across your gallery quite by accident while browsing Pbase, and I need to tell you how much I was moved, and how appreciative I am that you have shared what must be extremely intimate, emotional feelings and thoughts. I think we all need to review that terrible day occasionally, just so we don't forget how dangerous a world we now live in. Thank you for such a vehicle to do just that.
...Bob
Knox 04-Sep-2004 03:20
As a NYer, this is a very important gallery to me. I lost someone in the WTC . . they only found their keys, a coat and some body parts. I wish all the guys (especially one in particular) posting all the political crap at pbase would shut it down and see how photos like yours, can be used to enlighten and move people. . . . to come together . . not bash others with prejudice and demean those that have different views (especially at a photo site where we come to get away from all that 'stuff'). I still can't believe those buildings are not part of the skyline that I have loved since the 70s . . .the spirit of NYC is unending though. I always thought after 9/11 that they bombed the wrong city . . .NYers are tough and love their city, even though we complain at times. That fight and spirit will survive in NYC no matter what they do to us. . . .

Honestly, thanks for putting this together, it REALLY is powerful. Glad you made it out of the horror, to tell the story to those that come along in the future, so they don't forget.
Guest 23-Mar-2004 02:43
Pete: I am a writer in Washington, DC. I have wanted to write something about September 11, like many other writers, but haven't felt able to until now. Your images are awe inspiring. Your first-hand account takes the viewer through the expierience in a way that no other gallery I've seen has been able to. This gallery has a truth to it that others lack. Your honesty and candidness is appreciated and admired. Thank you for the stellar work.

Sincerely,

HRC, in WDC
M.A. 06-Sep-2003 10:05
Your photographs are absolutely incredible. I worked next to Century 21, so it is particularly heartbreaking to see these images of horror on my very street. I am thankful that you were unharmed, for it is so very important that people see what you were able to capture on film on that horrific day. God bless U, Pete.
Mike Lempert 06-Dec-2002 04:20
Pete: Thanks for sharing your experience and excellent photographic work. I had a few friends in tower two that fortunately, and miraculously, all survived. I had recently moved away. Sitting in front of the TV that day I - as countless others must have - felt helplessness, horror and grief. However, those feelings, I'm not ashamed to admit, were surpassed by anger. We need to have reminders like your story and pictures so that the effort to eradicate those that plan and commit these crimes does not lose its intensity.

I returned a week later and photographed the ensuing activities and memorials.

Regards,
Mike Lempert
Charleston, SC
BOB G 13-Sep-2002 19:37
I WAS ALSO THERE I GOT DOWN JUST AFTER THE 2ND TOWER FELL.I ALSO HAVE A LOT OF PHOTS,
I TOOK THEM AS I DROVE INTO NEW YORK .I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST 40 ON THE 2ND TOWER .PICTURES
WILL NEVER LET YOU KNOW HOW BAD IT WAS BUT IT IS GOOD THAT PEOPLE CAN SEE WAHT THE WORLD
WHAT HAPPEN TO THE WORLD THAT DAY.THE AIR THE POWDER ON THE GROUND AND ALL OVER THE PLACE.
I ALSO WAS THERE ON DAY 3 I WAS THERE FOR OVER `17HOURS I WAS ONE THE MEN THAT WENT UNDER THE BLD#5 .WE WENT 5 FLOORS DOWN I DID NOT THINK I WAS GOING TO MAKE IT OUT .YOU CAN READ MY STORY IN A BOOK CALLED NEVER FORGET IT IS ON REGAN BOOKS IT DOES NOT TELL ALL OF IT BUT THE BOOK IS GREAT .PEACE TO ALL AND GOD BLESS .ALSO TRY BE KIND TO OTHERS.
BOB
Tracey 13-Sep-2002 07:05
Pictures tell a thousand words...thanks for the gift..peace on earth...
Andrew Coffey 12-Sep-2002 19:06
Hey man! Great Snaps... you were there...I saw a few snaps from "Pros" the day after..Not as good at these. You got in the game. I sent your link around the office so we can waste more company time.
Good luck.
Dallas
Guest 05-Sep-2002 19:51
Un dolor que traspasa todas las fronteras, tanto fisicas como espirituales. A un año de lo ocurrido, solo puedo cerrar mis ojos y elevar una oración por tantas vidas perdidas y sus familias destrozadas por el dolor.
Peter, te felicito por la valentía de disparar cada foto en medio de tanto terror y dejarnos un documento historico que no podremos olvidar.
Guest 12-Aug-2002 01:25
Those pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing them
Guest 11-Aug-2002 15:43
Pete,
It's almost twelve months since the W.T.C,attack and I still can't believe you were so close to the carnage,and in danger of losing your life...It's still like a nightmare that this attack really happened...We thank God repeatedly that you are doing as well as you are after such an horrific ordeal.We feel so guilty that we were so far away at the worst time in your life,and we could'nt get home..But thank God the rest of the family were there for you,and helped a great deal...God keep us all safe from such a horrendous ordeal again...It's unbelievable to me that there are people who want to take God out of the schools,and anywhere they can at a time when the world needs Him more than ever.And worst of all,the powers that be are catering to the few...But they can't take God out of your heart,so carry him with you always,and God keep you safe....Love,Mom & Dad...
Guest 29-Jul-2002 09:14
Very powerful. Seeing all this on the news from across the country, it was horrific, but nothing like seeing it through the eyes of someone who was actually there. Thank you for sharing your story and photographs.
Guest 14-Jul-2002 13:35
It was horrific enough seeing this on TV from Europe, but your pics bring the tragedy even closer. Well done for putting this together, and for sharing it.
Wayland 12-Jul-2002 05:51
A picture is one thing, but a picture with a detailed survivor story is another. I have already read your story twice, but because of your pictures I actual feel like im on location. Good job Pete!
eagle01 16-Jun-2002 06:06
Thank you for this very personal and powerful document. Very different from
more remote and distant coverage.
Guest 26-May-2002 01:22
I wanted to be the first one to leave a comment on your gallery, since I'm sure you will get many. But I am speechless. Thanks for your work.
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