The Langley Files: CIA's Podcast cover image

The Langley Files: CIA's Podcast

FILE 018: PART I - The 9/11 Survivor Turned CIA Usama Bin Laden Tracker - Surviving 9/11

Sep 11, 2024
Kevin, a CIA officer and 9/11 survivor, shares his gripping journey from surviving the Pentagon attack to tracking Usama Bin Laden. He recounts his transformation after sustaining life-threatening injuries and how a stranger’s help saved him that day. The emotional weight of his recovery and a memorable visit from President Bush highlight his resilience. Kevin also reflects on his pivotal role in military operations post-9/11, emphasizing the personal stakes intertwined with national responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
43:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kevin's personal journey from surviving the 9/11 attack to tracking down bin Laden illustrates the profound connection between individual experiences and national security efforts.
  • The podcast highlights the challenges faced by U.S. intelligence in responding to Al-Qaeda, emphasizing the complexity of the long pursuit to capture bin Laden.

Deep dives

The Night of the Operation

On May 2, 2011, a critical military operation unfolded in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where a team of U.S. Navy SEALs targeted Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted terrorist. The operation was monitored in real-time from multiple locations, including the White House and CIA headquarters. A significant aspect of this operation was the involvement of an individual who was not only monitoring the event but had a deeply personal connection to it, having survived the September 11 attacks almost a decade earlier. His unique perspective as both a 9/11 survivor and a CIA officer added emotional weight to the mission, showcasing the personal stakes involved in the pursuit of justice against bin Laden.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner