New DNA Method IDs 9/11 Victim for First Time in Nearly 25 Years
A cutting-edge DNA technique combining genetic testing and family tree research has yielded the first new World Trade Center victim identification since the early 2000s.
Plumes of smoke billow from the World Trade Center towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, Sept. 11, 2001.Michael Foran
Nearly 25 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, victims are still being identified. The New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the NYPD Detective Bureau announced they have identified one of the nearly 3,000 people killed at the World Trade Center using a combination of DNA testing and family tree research.
A woman, whose name is being withheld at the request of her family, was recently identified using the new breakthrough technology. “It's a breakthrough,” Dr. Jason Graham, New York City's chief medical examiner, confirmed to ABC News. “I'm delighted to be able to say that we've now applied new methods to the World Trade Center identification efforts, and we have a new identification for the first time in 25 years using new methods, forensic investigative genetic genealogy.”
Two beams of light represent the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center during the 2004 memorial of the September 11, 2001 attacks.Derek Jensen - Tysto
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a statement: “As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks, we honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day, and we remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers.”
“The identification of this victim through forensic investigative genetic genealogy is a powerful example of what is possible when we pair cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to those we lost. We will continue to work until every possible answer is found and every family that has been waiting can have the clarity and closure they deserve.”
In addition to the new 9/11 identification, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner continues to link remains to previously identified victims so they can be returned to their families. Recent links have been confirmed for three individuals using forensic investigative genetic genealogy, DNA reference samples obtained through renewed family outreach, and ongoing retesting of remains recovered since 2001. A total of 1,654 victims have now been formally identified since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that shook not only the United States but the world.
