Photos Taken by David Swenson on the Morning of September 11, 2001

David Swenson, who worked in a data center in New York City, was taking weekly time-lapse photos of a new building under construction across the street. He used the Twin Towers to frame his shots, providing a consistent reference point.

On the morning of September 11, he was taking one of these regular photos when he witnessed the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, crash into the North Tower. He captured this moment and continued to document the unfolding tragedy, including the impact of the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, into the South Tower, as well as the collapses of both towers. His photographs – taken from 499 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, directly across the Hudson River facing the World Trade Center – provide a unique perspective on the attacks, showing the progression of events from a nearby vantage point.

“Tuesday morning at 8:45am I was in our data center taking pictures of our new building going up across the street,” said Swenson. “I had been taking a few pictures each week, using the Twin Towers to frame/align all the shots evenly so I could later make a time lapse video of the new 30 story building’s construction.”

“After taking the shot I see a large plane flying south right over the Hudson River. For a moment I thought what a great shot I’m about to get, then American Airlines Flight 11 suddenly rolls into a left bank of about 40 degrees. The impact came about a second later, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. After shooting a few more pics I run to the hall where I meet up with a few of the building engineers and we head up to the roof for a better view. The scene is surreal, and after watching United Flight 175 circle around and fly into the South Tower everyone began to realize we were under attack. We kept looking around for the next plane and my knees began to go weak. I will never EVER forget that image of American Airlines 11 rolling left and striking the North Tower. To this day, I’m still somewhat startled when looking up at a plane overhead.”