More than two decades after the harrowing events of September 11, 2001, the world continues to grapple with the impact of that day. Recently, a man named Kei Sugimoto unveiled never-before-seen footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse, captured from a unique angle that adds another layer of understanding to one of modern history’s most devastating moments. Stored away for over 22 years, this footage is now bringing fresh perspectives to a day that changed the world forever.
On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of its darkest days. Nineteen terrorists associated with the jihadist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. These planes were used as weapons in a coordinated attack that targeted key symbols of American power. Two of the planes crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to their eventual collapse and resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. The impact of these attacks reshaped global politics, altered U.S. foreign policy, and left a permanent scar on the collective consciousness of the world.
Kei Sugimoto’s story began innocuously enough. While cleaning out his closet, Sugimoto stumbled upon a box of old videotapes. Among these tapes was footage he had captured on September 11, 2001, using a Sony VX2000 camera. Realizing the potential historical value of the footage, especially given that some tapes had already begun to deteriorate, Sugimoto quickly digitized the content. What he uncovered was a perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse that had never been seen before—footage that had remained hidden for over two decades.
The footage, filmed from the roof of a building at 64 St Marks Place in New York City, provides a rare view of the Twin Towers’ collapse from the north. Most of the widely circulated footage of the collapse comes from the south or east, making Sugimoto’s recording particularly unique. As the camera captures the towers enveloped in thick black smoke before their ultimate collapse, viewers are reminded of the sheer scale of the tragedy. The footage is haunting in its clarity, offering a fresh yet chilling perspective on an event that has been etched into global memory.
Since its release on July 23, 2023, Sugimoto’s footage has taken social media by storm, sparking widespread discussion. Many users expressed astonishment that new footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse could still emerge after so many years. “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” commented one Reddit user. The discovery and subsequent release of this footage have reignited conversations about the events of 9/11, showing that even after all this time, there are still new stories and perspectives to uncover.
The release of Sugimoto’s footage is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving historical records. The fact that this footage remained undiscovered for so long raises questions about how much history is still waiting to be unearthed in attics, basements, and closets around the world. As one Reddit user reflected, “Makes me wonder how much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed.” Sugimoto’s decision to share this footage not only enriches our understanding of 9/11 but also highlights the ongoing need to document and preserve our collective history.
For many who lived through the events of 9/11, the release of new footage can be both powerful and painful. The images captured by Sugimoto serve as a stark reminder of the lives lost and the profound sense of vulnerability felt by millions that day. Yet, they also offer a new generation the chance to witness history from a fresh angle, ensuring that the lessons of 9/11 are not forgotten. As this footage continues to circulate, it becomes a part of the broader narrative, helping to preserve the legacy of those who were directly affected by the tragedy.
Kei Sugimoto’s rediscovery and release of this previously unseen footage provide an invaluable contribution to the historical documentation of 9/11. Captured from a rare angle, this footage allows us to revisit the events of that day with a new perspective, deepening our understanding of the tragedy. As the footage continues to spread, it not only serves as a vital historical record but also as a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of September 11, 2001. In sharing this footage, Sugimoto has ensured that future generations can witness and reflect on the magnitude of one of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
