Never-Before-Seen 9/11 Footage Released Over 20 Years Later

More than two decades after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, new footage capturing the collapse of the Twin Towers has surfaced—offering a rare and powerful new perspective on a day that forever changed the world. The video was released by Kei Sugimoto, who filmed it but kept it stored away for over 22 years.

9/11: The Day That Shook America

On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the extremist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes and used them in a series of coordinated attacks on the United States. Two of the planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of both Twin Towers and claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 people. The attacks not only left a deep scar on the nation but also reshaped U.S. foreign policy and global security measures for years to come.

A Long-Lost Tape Resurfaces

Recently, Sugimoto was cleaning out his closet when he stumbled upon a box of old videotapes. Among them was footage he recorded on 9/11 with his Sony VX2000 camcorder. Fearing the tapes might deteriorate, he quickly digitized them—revealing a view of the Twin Towers’ collapse that had never been made public before.

A Rare and Powerful View

Filmed from the rooftop of 64 St. Marks Place in New York City, the footage captures the Twin Towers from the north side, a view that hasn’t been widely seen in other recordings. Thick black smoke pours from the towers before they fall, offering viewers a chilling, real-time glimpse of that horrifying moment. One viewer described it as, “a perspective not seen from the south or east.”

A Viral Moment That Still Shocks

Since being uploaded on July 23, 2023, the footage has gone viral, igniting emotional reactions across social media. “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” one Reddit user commented. Many expressed both shock and gratitude that a new piece of 9/11 history had come to light.

Why This Footage Matters

The emergence of this video is more than just a visual discovery—it’s a reminder of how much history can remain hidden in private collections. As one online commenter reflected, “Makes me wonder how much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed.”

The footage not only offers a new visual of a pivotal moment in history—it strengthens the collective memory of a generation and ensures future ones don’t forget.

Preserving the Memory of 9/11

By releasing this footage, Kei Sugimoto has contributed a deeply personal yet historically significant record of 9/11. His video offers a unique angle of the Twin Towers’ final moments, reminding us of the profound loss and the enduring impact of that day.

As the footage continues to circulate, it stands as a powerful visual document—one that helps preserve the legacy of those we lost, the resilience of those who survived, and the moment that reshaped the world.