Campuses, nation traumatized ~ Terrorists
hijack planes, demolish twin towers
by Don Hicks, reporter

    Visibly upset students gathered in the Student Center, expressing shock and fear of the breaking news on television.

    An apparent attack on America began to unfold as classes began Tuesday. What seemed to be a terrible accident of a passenger plane hitting the South Tower of the New York World Trade Center became an act of aggression when live video showed a second passenger plane hitting the North Tower of the trade center.

    News sources quickly began to suspect a terrorist conspiracy. Evidence mounted as a third plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

    Classes adjourned to catch up on the latest news. Many students realizing the national impact grabbed their cell phones to find out the status of friends and loved ones. Several teachers dismissed classes.

    Nursing student Melissa Tennison said her teacher canceled classes and told students who had children in school to pick them up.

    “My heart goes out to those people hurt and their families,” she said.

    Photography student Marrisa Martinez was “shocked at people cheering in Palestine” on CNN at the news of America’s terror.

April Kingsborough, student, said that it was the main topic in her class.

    “It’s scary that something like that could happen,” she said.

Kingsborough said that this has really shattered her idea of living in a safe world.

    “I feel bad for the people, especially the people that have family there,” she said.

    Peter Hacker, history instructor on NE Campus, did not cancel classes, but instead let the students spend as much time as they needed discussing the current events in New York.

    “This will be a real test for the new president,” he said.

President Bush left a speaking engagement in Florida and flew to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana where he addressed the American public.

    “We have taken all appropriate security precautions to protect the American people. Make no mistake, the United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts,” he said.

    As classes changed, a new wave of students filled the seats in in the television lounge and lunchroom. Most students expressed shock and fear as news spread that another plane crashed near Pittsburgh, Pa., all outbound flights at all airports were canceled and a car bomb exploded at the State Building in Washington, D.C.
    The unbelievable … the unthinkable began to take form as reality.

    “We are shocked and saddened beyond measure at today’s tragic and callous events on the eastern seaboard of America. We all—faculty, staff and students—need some time today to be with our families and with our own thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. Accordingly, all Tarrant County College facilities will close at 4 p.m. today and reopen on Wednesday morning at the start of the workday,” said Leonardo de la Garza, chancellor, TCC.

    Carter Blood Center has issued an urgent request for blood. The next few days are critical for blood supplies. Donors are asked to go the nearest Carter Blood Center location, immediately.