As the first rays of sunlight illuminated New York City in the early hours of September 11, 2001, the world underwent a profound transformation.
The attacks on the World Trade Center left an indelible mark on global consciousness, claiming thousands of lives and altering history.
Over the years, countless images and videos have surfaced, each one offering a different perspective on the tragic events of that day.
Despite this, even decades later, new revelations continue to emerge, adding depth to our understanding of the catastrophe.
One such discovery comes from Kei Sugimoto, a New York City resident who recently unearthed a forgotten piece of history.
On July 23, 2024, Sugimoto uploaded previously unseen footage of the Twin Towers to YouTube, filmed from a unique vantage point.
Captured from the rooftop of 64 St Marks Place in Manhattan, Sugimoto’s video provides a harrowing view of the events as they unfolded.
The clarity and angle of the footage offer an entirely new perspective, bringing viewers closer to the reality of that day.
Sugimoto, who was 24 years old at the time, vividly recalled the confusion and terror of that morning. Speaking to LADbible, he described how he initially mistook the first tower’s fire for a tragic accident.
“I did see the second plane impact, and that’s when I thought, okay, for sure, this is not just an accident,” he said. “This is intentional. It’s a terrorist attack.”
His realization came moments before he grabbed his Sony VX2000 camcorder to capture the scene.
The video shows the towers engulfed in thick black smoke, capturing the gravity of the situation.
As the structures ultimately collapsed, Sugimoto’s footage immortalized the chaos, fear, and disbelief that swept through the city.
This recording, however, lay forgotten for over two decades. It wasn’t until Sugimoto began decluttering his home that he rediscovered the tapes stored in his closet.
In a comment on YouTube, he shared how he nearly lost this crucial piece of history due to the deterioration of old videotapes.
“About a third of them had demagnetized over time and were either blank or suffering from major data corruption,” he wrote.
Sugimoto recognized the urgency and initiated a rapid digitization process for the remaining tapes. His meticulous efforts ensured that this rare footage could be preserved and shared with the world.
The release of this video has sparked strong reactions across social media platforms like Reddit and X. Many expressed amazement that, even 23 years later, new footage of 9/11 continues to surface.
“It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” one Reddit user remarked. Another wondered, “How much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed?”
The clarity of the video and the unique angle it offers have also drawn widespread attention.
Some viewers have described the footage as “devastating yet crystal clear,” while others have commended Sugimoto for preserving a vital piece of history.
While Sugimoto’s video did not capture the second plane’s impact, it provides an unparalleled view of the aftermath.
His decision to document the event from his rooftop has offered a poignant glimpse into a day that forever changed the world.
The unveiling of this footage has added a new layer to the narrative of 9/11. Each piece of evidence, no matter how small, contributes to our collective understanding of the tragedy.
For Sugimoto, the decision to release the video was deeply personal. He reflected on the importance of preserving memories and the fragility of physical recordings.
“Video tapes are not immune from age, even when stored in ideal conditions,” he explained.
The significance of this discovery lies not only in the images but also in the emotions they evoke.
As one viewer aptly put it, “The feeling of utter shock and disbelief comes flooding back watching this video. The world changed on this day.”
By sharing his footage, Sugimoto has ensured that future generations can learn from and reflect on the events of 9/11.
His recording serves as a reminder of the resilience of memory and the enduring impact of that fateful day.
In a world where history can so easily fade, discoveries like these reinforce the importance of documenting and preserving our past.
As we continue to uncover new perspectives, the story of 9/11 remains as vital and urgent as ever.
Featured Image Credit: (Youtube/ @Kei Sugimoto)
