USS Cole Commander Warned CIA of Imminent Attack Before 9/11
Retired Navy Commander Kirk Lippold shared a haunting memory from the CIA headquarters on September 11, 2001, just 20 minutes before the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center. Speaking on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast, Lippold recounted how he had just finished a briefing with a senior CIA official regarding intelligence related to the USS Cole attack. When asked for his assessment, he expressed a grave concern that it would take a catastrophic event on U.S. soil for the American people to understand the threat they faced.
Lippold stated, "I said, 'I'm [going to] be honest with you, sir. America doesn't understand. I believe it is going to take a seminal event probably in this country where hundreds, if not thousands, died before Americans realized that we are at war with this guy,' referring to Osama bin Laden. Just moments later, the first plane hit the North Tower, and Lippold was leaving the headquarters when the second plane struck the South Tower.
The USS Cole, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, had been attacked less than a year earlier on October 12, 2000, by al Qaeda operatives. This attack resulted in the deaths of 17 U.S. sailors and injuries to nearly 40 others. Lippold's experiences with the Cole had shaped his understanding of the growing threat posed by terrorist groups.
Case Closed
Reflecting on the 9/11 attacks, Lippold emphasized the importance of recognizing the costs of inaction against terrorism. He noted that the attacks reinforced his belief that the United States must confront terrorist organizations aggressively. He stated, "It really solidified to me the costs that if the United States does not react to the threat of terrorism and countries who support it, we will continue to pay a price in the future."
Lippold's insights serve as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats. He argued that terrorism must be ruthlessly addressed, whether through military action or other means, to prevent future tragedies. As the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Lippold's warnings resonate as a call to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding national security.
