Live NY1 morning broadcast captures September 11 tragedy as it unfolds

A rare video of NY1's September 11 morning broadcast reveals how the news program shifted from ordinary topics to the unfolding disaster. Anchor Patrick Kiernan initially covers weather, primary elections and a dress-code story, then points to smoke rising from the North Tower, describing it as a large fire. He takes a call from George Shay, who recounts hearing two huge explosions and seeing debris, including what looked like a tire, after driving through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

Kiernan later reports that a plane has crashed into the tower and, moments later, confirms a second aircraft striking the South Tower, noting the likely thousands of injuries. The clip also shows Kiernan displaying one outlet headline about local primaries before the tragedy escalates. The video was shared online ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, reminding viewers of the real-time shock of that day.