The day America grieved – and some of us had to look over our shoulder

On September 11, 2001, the United States endured a series of devastating terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in the tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on the nation. For those who experienced the events firsthand, the day remains etched in memory, evoking painful and haunting recollections.

Among those affected was a reporter who was en route to work when she encountered a woman in a nearby car who warned her about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center, revealing that her father worked there. The reporter, whose car radio was broken, received the news only when she rolled down her window. This was just the beginning of the harrowing day that unfolded before her eyes.

When the reporter arrived at her office, everyone was glued to their television sets as the second plane hit the World Trade Center. The images of people jumping from the burning buildings and the towers falling to the ground were overwhelmingly distressing. The reporter's initial shock gradually gave way to a sense of collective grief as she witnessed the overwhelming displays of fear and anguish among the people around her.

News of other attacks began to emerge, including the Pentagon and a plane crash in Pennsylvania. The reporter's daughter lived near the Pentagon, and she was relieved to learn her daughter was safe. However, the office was just blocks away from the White House, and the reporter's daughter was also concerned for her safety, frantically calling to reach her.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the local police arrived to announce the evacuation of the reporter's building due to safety concerns. Despite her plea, the police insisted on evacuating the entire building and neighborhood to protect them from potential anti-Arab backlash. The police remained supportive, evacuating other buildings and even assigning two patrol cars to ensure the reporter's safety.

Throughout the day, the reporter and her colleagues were inundated with calls from Arab Americans who were frightened by the possibility of targeted attacks.

The reporter was also tasked with presenting a report on the prevalence of hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The report documented numerous incidents of threats and hate messages directed at the community. The experience of being both mournful for the victims and vigilant against potential hate crimes created a sense of duality for the reporter and her colleagues, as they struggled to grieve while simultaneously looking over their shoulders, fearing further violence against their community.