Reporter Recalls George W. Bush’s Reaction as ‘America Is Under Attack’ Was Whispered to Him on 9/11

Witness recounts George W. Bush's moment of shock as 'America is under attack' was whispered during 9/11. Details from the day that changed history.

Editorial Desk

September 10, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A Reuters correspondent recalls the moment President George W. Bush was told about the 9/11 attacks as a White House aide whispered, ‘America is under attack,’ during a school visit in Florida.

Bush, who had been in office for less than eight months, was reading to children at Emma E. Booker Elementary School when the news of the terrorist strikes unfolded. The incident marked the beginning of one of the most defining days of his presidency and American history.

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The correspondent described the chaos that followed, including the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crash in Pennsylvania. Bush later addressed the nation from the Oval Office, expressing disbelief, sorrow, and resolve in the face of the tragedy.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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