Key facts
- President George W. Bush visited Ground Zero on September 14, 2001.
- Bush addressed rescue workers and first responders at the site of the World Trade Center attacks.
- Bush declared, 'I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!'
- The speech occurred days after the September 11, 2001 attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center towers and killed nearly 3,000 people.
Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States experienced a series of devastating terrorist attacks. Days later, on September 14, 2001, then-U.S. President George W. Bush visited Ground Zero in New York City, the site of the destroyed World Trade Center towers. Standing amidst the smoldering rubble, Bush addressed the rescue workers, firefighters, and police officers who were engaged in recovery efforts. During his speech, delivered with a bullhorn, Bush conveyed the nation's condolences and solidarity with those mourning the loss of nearly 3,000 citizens. When some first responders indicated they could not hear him, Bush amplified his message, stating, 'I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!' This declaration was met with chants of 'U.S.A.!' from the crowd. The speech is remembered as a pivotal moment in the nation's response to the attacks, demonstrating a resolve to retaliate against the perpetrators.