The Fox News Rundown Evening Edition: 9/11 Made Heroes Of Many Ordinary Americans
Sep 11, 2025
Peter Bitwinski, a former Port Authority employee and 9/11 survivor, shares his harrowing story of that fateful day. He highlights the unexpected heroism of ordinary individuals, emphasizing how compassion drove him to ensure the safety of his coworkers. Bitwinski compares his escape from the North Tower's chaos with the eerie silence of the 1993 bombing, illustrating the profound impact on his life and workplace safety. His reflections underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering those who stepped up in times of crisis.
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1993 Bombing Shaped Later Security
- Peter recalled the 1993 World Trade Center bombing where smoke reached his floor within minutes and evacuation staircases became overloaded.
- That event prompted major security changes like posted guards, ID cards, and closed parking that later affected 9/11 responses.
Security Changes Improved Preparedness
- Security protocols introduced after 1993—ID cards, guards, and restricted access—became the norm and shaped worker preparedness.
- Those measures improved controlled access but could not have anticipated the scale of 9/11.
Evac Chair Rescue From The 69th Floor
- Peter Bitwinski felt the plane hit as violent rolling that knocked him onto his desk and made evacuation urgent.
- He and nine co-workers used an evac chair to carry his colleague John down many flights to safety.