Date: September 11, 2001
Photographer: Doug Mills – Associated Press
Details: The story behind this iconic image dates back to a visit by President George W. Bush to Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Florida. He was there to participate in a reading event with students. Moments after the attack began, Bush’s Chief of Staff, Andy Card, leaned in and whispered the news to him. In a subsequent interview, President Bush recalled feeling an initial surge of anger, questioning who could perpetrate such an atrocity against America. As he looked at the children around him, he was struck by the stark contrast between the horrific attacks and their innocence. He noticed the media at the back of the classroom following updates on their phones, making the situation feel surreal, almost like a silent film. Realizing that many people outside the classroom would be observing his reaction, he decided to remain seated and calm, not wanting to alarm the children or appear panicked.
Following the news, Bush moved to an empty room to receive updates on the situation from his aides. Two hours after the attack, he delivered an impromptu statement with some students and school staff behind him. He then flew from Florida to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where he delivered a speech vowing retaliation against those responsible for the attacks.
Photographer Doug Mills describes the moments he captured the photo. The day began routinely as he prepared to cover President Bush’s visit to the school. He took standard photos of the President and the students. Five minutes into the event, Chief of Staff Andy Card entered, which was surprising as he usually did not attend such events. Card made a two-finger gesture that Mills initially misunderstood—whether it meant they would work for two minutes and then leave or if it was a signal for the President. Mills sensed that Card was waiting for the right moment to inform Bush of the news. He quickly adjusted his camera to focus on Bush’s face, capturing the photo at that crucial moment. After President Bush left, Mills sent the photos to the Associated Press. When asked about Bush’s reaction and what Card had said, Mills replied that he didn’t know the specifics but it was clear that the situation involved planes hitting the Twin Towers. Later, Mills asked Card what he had whispered to the President. Card responded, “Mr. President… a second plane has hit the World Trade Center, and America is under attack.»
