White House Response on September 11

On September 11, 2001, a day that began with preparations for a large Congressional Barbecue at the White House quickly turned into a national crisis. As the first signs of the World Trade Center attack emerged, White House staff were thrust into chaos, leading to an evacuation amid fears of further attacks. Despite the turmoil, the role of the White House as a symbol of leadership and stability was emphasized, with efforts made to ensure the president could address the nation from the Oval Office.

What event was the White House preparing for on the morning of September 11, 2001?

• A military parade

• A press conference

• A Congressional Barbecue

• A state dinner

Who informed the narrator about the plane hitting the World Trade Center?

• A fellow staff member

• The First Lady

• A Secret Service agent

• The President

What was the initial reaction of the White House staff upon hearing about the plane crash?

• They continued with their work

• They immediately evacuated

• They called the President

• They gathered to watch the news

What event led to the cancellation of the Congressional Barbecue?

• A sudden storm

• A terrorist attack

• A security threat

• A power outage

What did the White House staff witness as they exited the building?

• A news crew arriving

• A parade on the street

• A fireball from the Pentagon

• A helicopter landing

What was the immediate instruction given to the White House staff after the Pentagon was hit?

• To continue working

• To evacuate immediately

• To call their families

• To hide in the basement

What was the role of Chief Usher Gary Walters during the crisis?

• He prepared a press release

• He stayed to manage the grounds

• He contacted the President

• He coordinated the evacuation

Why was it important to clear the South Grounds of the White House?

• To allow a helicopter to land

• To prepare for a press conference

• To set up a medical tent

• To host a military ceremony

What was the anticipated action of the President after the attacks?

• To leave the country

• To address the nation from a bunker

• To address the nation from the Oval Office

• To hold a press conference outside

What did the American people expect to see after the attacks?

• A military response

• A national holiday

• A presidential helicopter landing

• A press conference