NEW YORK — Nearly a quarter-century after the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil, three more victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks have been formally identified through advanced DNA technology, offering long-awaited closure for some families, while reminding many others of the enduring pain of uncertainty.
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) confirmed on Thursday that recent forensic advances led to the positive identification of three individuals who were previously listed among the 2,753 people killed at the World Trade Center that day. Their names have not yet been released to the public at the request of the families, who have asked for privacy during this deeply emotional moment.
This latest development raises the number of positively identified victims to 1,652, marking a significant milestone in what has become the largest and longest-running forensic investigation in U.S. history. Still, over 1,100 victims — more than 40% of those who died at Ground Zero — remain unidentified.
A Painstaking Search for Answers
The breakthrough was made possible by cutting-edge DNA sequencing methods, including techniques used in gene mapping and forensic genealogy, which have been refined over the past two decades. Remains recovered from the rubble at Ground Zero are often severely degraded, making identification extraordinarily difficult. Still, scientists remain committed to solving every possible case.
“Each identification is a promise kept — that we will never forget and that we will continue to do everything in our power to bring peace to the families who lost loved ones that day,” said Dr. Jason Graham, the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City.
Families Still Waiting
While the new identifications bring relief to a few, the announcement also serves as a sobering reminder that 1,100 families are still waiting, holding onto the hope that one day their loved ones will be named and honored. Many continue to attend annual memorial ceremonies, visit the 9/11 Memorial, and contribute DNA samples in the hopes of helping with future breakthroughs.
One victim’s sister, whose brother remains unidentified, told reporters:
“Every time there’s a new identification, it stirs up everything. You feel happy for that family — truly — but it also reopens your own wound.”
Unshakable Resolve
Since 2001, the OCME has tested tens of thousands of remains and DNA profiles in a relentless effort to give names to the lost. The team continues to collaborate with institutions like the FBI and private labs specializing in high-sensitivity DNA recovery, setting a global benchmark for forensic science.
Mayor Eric Adams released a statement Thursday, commending the OCME’s work and affirming the city’s commitment to honoring every victim:
“Even after 24 years, New York City has not stopped searching. We owe it to every victim and every family. This is not just a scientific mission — it’s a moral one.”
A Legacy That Lives On
As the nation prepares for the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, these new identifications serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of that fateful day — and the enduring strength of families who continue to seek answers.
Ceremonies are expected to be held at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum next month, where the newly identified victims will be remembered, their names etched not just in stone — but in the hearts of a nation that refuses to forget.