In a significant development, two victims of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 have been successfully identified after 22 years. This announcement was made by New York officials in a press release on Friday. While the names of the victims have been withheld at the request of their families, they mark the 1,648th and 1,649th identified victims of the terrorist plot.
The breakthrough came through the use of advanced DNA testing techniques, including next-generation sequencing, which have been employed to identify missing U.S. service members and victims of other tragic incidents. These cutting-edge methods have proven successful in providing closure to families who have long been grappling with the pain of losing their loved ones.
“As we prepare to mark the anniversary of September 11, our thoughts turn to those we lost on that terrible morning and their families who continue to live every day with the pain of missing loved ones,” stated Mayor Eric Adams, emphasizing the importance of providing solace to the families affected by the attacks. He expressed the hope that these identifications would bring some measure of comfort and emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner to reunite World Trade Center victims with their families.
The identification process is part of the ongoing efforts by the city, and it serves as a solemn pledge to fulfill the promise of returning the remains of the victims to their loved ones. Dr. Jason Graham, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner, acknowledged the complexities of the investigation but affirmed his office’s determination to utilize the latest scientific advancements to achieve their mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How were the two victims identified after 22 years?
A: The victims were identified through advanced DNA testing techniques, including next-generation sequencing.
Q: Why were the names of the victims withheld?
A: The names were withheld at the request of their families.
Q: How many victims of the 9/11 attack remain unidentified?
A: More than 1,000 victims of the 9/11 attack are still unidentified.
Q: Where are the unidentified remains currently stored?
A: The unidentified remains are currently being stored at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site.
Sources: Fox News