The AE911Truth Petition
To the Members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate of the United States of America,
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT:
On Behalf of the People of the United States of America, the undersigned Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and affiliates hereby petition for, and demand, a truly independent investigation with subpoena power in order to uncover the full truth surrounding the events of 9/11/01 – specifically the collapses of the World Trade Center Towers and Building 7. We believe there is sufficient doubt about the official story and therefore the 9/11 investigation must be re-opened and must include a full inquiry into the possible use of explosives that might have been the actual cause of the destruction of the World Trade Center Twin Towers and Building 7.
Featured Petition Signers
Jeffrey C. Barker, PE
B.S., Arch Eng, M.S. Math, Cal Poly
When I first saw the towers fall I said that's a controlled demolition. My wife said omg we're at war. Tower 7 information came to me a week…
Jeffrey C. Barker, PE
B.S., Arch Eng, M.S. Math, Cal Poly
Cayucos, CA
B.S. Architectural Engineering and B.S. Applied Mathematics, M.S. Applied Mathematics, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA. Founding owner of Applied Engineering, A Structural Engineering firm started in 1983 and operating continuously to date designing bridges, schools, hospitals, falsework and many other kinds of structures.
When I first saw the towers fall I said that's a controlled demolition. My wife said omg we're at war. Tower 7 information came to me a week or so later, and just confirmed my first impression. The scary part is- who benefits by the destruction. The people need to take this country back. We the People are not just words, they mean something.
"William ""Evan"" Simon", MS, BS
Engineer
MS Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, 2015
Reading the nanothermite paper made me reassess 9/11 and realize that an independent investigation is needed.
"William ""Evan"" Simon", MS, BS
MS Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, 2015
Lexington, KY
Occupation: Engineer
BS Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2006; MS Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky Lexington, 2015.
Reading the nanothermite paper made me reassess 9/11 and realize that an independent investigation is needed.
Andrew M. Bengston
Sheffield Hallam University
Andrew M. Bengston
Sheffield Hallam University
Gateshead, United Kingdom
Rick Brown, MS, BS
Retired (Former Environmental Engineer With The State Of Tenness
MS, Civil & environmental Engineering
From everything I have read (and I have been interested in this from the beginning and have read quite a bit) I seriously doubt that the impact of…
Rick Brown, MS, BS
MS, Civil & environmental Engineering
Taos, NM
Occupation: Retired (Former Environmental Engineer With The State Of Tenness
I attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville where I majored in Civil & Environmental Engineering and received a BS degree in 1975 and MS in 1977. I worked primarily for environmental regulatory agencies of the State of Tennessee in the areas of coal mining regulation focusing on water impacts and solid and hazardous waste. I retired in 2013.
From everything I have read (and I have been interested in this from the beginning and have read quite a bit) I seriously doubt that the impact of the planes or fires resulting from the plane crashes caused the collapse of the towers. A diesel fire just doesn't burn hot enough and not nearly enough heat near the top would be transmitted to the bottom of the support columns to cause significant weakening. Even in the unlikely event that a weakening and collapse of part of the structure started near the top, the lower structure would most likely retain enough strength to resist a 'pancake' type collapse. And if one accepts that the structure could collapse under the weight of the upper levels, it would be a slow, uneven collapse, not the 'free fall' type collapse that occurred. Such an event would only result from explosive charges placed throughout the building as in a controlled demolition which this most certainly was. And the fine pulverization of the structures also points to use of massive amounts of explosives rather than a slow collapse.
Mike S. Bondi, PE
B.A.Sc., Engineering, Univ. of Waterloo
The physical evidence pointing to a controlled demolition of the WTC towers and WTC building 7 are undeniable. An independent investigation of the evidence is needed to answer…
Mike S. Bondi, PE
B.A.Sc., Engineering, Univ. of Waterloo
Stratford, ON, Canada
Graduated from the University of Waterloo, Ontario in 1994. Worked from 1994 - 2002 as an electronic design engineer and project manager at several major Canadian high-technology companies. Joined Deloitte in 2003 as a consulting engineer and senior manager. Licensed as a professional engineer in the province of Ontario. Now continue to work as an engineering business consultant and director for a leading Ontario firm.
The physical evidence pointing to a controlled demolition of the WTC towers and WTC building 7 are undeniable. An independent investigation of the evidence is needed to answer the many outstanding questions that have never been addressed. The official explanation of the events of 9/11 are clearly false, and must be independently investigated so that the truth of the physical evidence can be brought to light.
Charles J. Studer, Sheet Metal Mech
Building Trades
Sheet Metal Mechanic-Emily Griffith CO
It is my view that the events preceding, occurring and directly following 9/11 should be reviewed in a collective format in order to help assist investigations. To be…
Charles J. Studer, Sheet Metal Mech
Sheet Metal Mechanic-Emily Griffith CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation: Building Trades
Not only a skilled Craftsman in the professional building trades, a blacksmith and previous student of the sciences attending classes at the University of Arizona(corr.), University of Cinncinati, The Ohio State University, Temple University(corr.), Foley-Belsaw(corr.), US NAVAL Basic training-Fl, and A School in Meridian Ms. Independently studying heat stresses of carbon steels and demolition techniques of the US Military.
It is my view that the events preceding, occurring and directly following 9/11 should be reviewed in a collective format in order to help assist investigations. To be considered for review should be pre and post 9/11 political benefits acquired due to the events of this day and any contracts created, bills passed, and any other resultant effects brought about by this event. In review of any discovered new evidence any connections with the availability of any products use and the access to the various building prior to the events of 9/11.
Matthew D. Litwin
Devops Engineer
BS Computer Engineering, Tufts University, 1995
Seeing that the collapse of all three WTC structures can be explained with classical chemistry and Newtonian physics, any evidence of molten steel would indicate that a form…
Matthew D. Litwin
BS Computer Engineering, Tufts University, 1995
San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Devops Engineer
I have a BS in Computer Engineering from Tufts University Engineering School. I believe that everything has a scientific explanation, and anything that defies a scientific explanation is either bad science or something that is not yet conventional science. In other words, if science can't explain it, either the effect is something that exceeds current methods of scientific measure or your data is bad and/or your assumptions are incorrect.
Seeing that the collapse of all three WTC structures can be explained with classical chemistry and Newtonian physics, any evidence of molten steel would indicate that a form of combustion much hotter than the burning of jet fuel caused the failure of the steel structure. When approaching maximum oxidation efficiency, such as in the inside of a jet engine, jet fuel will burn at close to 1500 'C, however, fuel burning under normal atmospheric conditions, even with significant updraft, could burn no hotter than 1000-1100 'C. The melting point of high carbon steel is about 1350' C, depending on the specific alloy. Even with prolonged exposure to the the heat of that burn could cause steel to weaken enough for it to bend and collapse under its own weight, it would not produce 'rivers of molten steel'. That sounds more like something that would have been exposed to a much hotter flame for a short duration, such as thermite. A rapid burn would also better explain the collapse that resembles that of a demolition. It stands to reason that if the twin towers failed due to steel failure due to heat, it would have fallen at an angle as it would seem highly unlikely that the entire structure at the burn floor would fail simultaneously. What is harder to explain is the notion that the collapse of the twin towers not only caused the fire at 7 WTC, but that it was enough of a fire for the building to collapse as though it were demolished as well. Finally, there is the cold fact that none of the gold which was in the reserve at 7 WTC was recovered. Gold doesn't disappear regardless of whether it was melted or not. Put simply, there are just too many 'strange' facts in this incident for the standing explanation to be acceptable by any person of science, regardless of discipline. The fact that the report was rushed and debris was removed from the site with what can only be described as haste, one has to think there is more to the story. A lot more.
Stanley S. Plock
Technical
WTC7 Was pulled according to Larry S. and the videos show a simultaneous collapse. There are no plane debris or bodies at the PA or pentagon crash sites.…
Stanley S. Plock
San Jose, CA
Occupation: Technical
Electronics technician. Age 51. I suffered a nervous breakdown 3 years ago, after my boss threatened to fire me because I asked him about WTC7.
WTC7 Was pulled according to Larry S. and the videos show a simultaneous collapse. There are no plane debris or bodies at the PA or pentagon crash sites. There is reason for the attack if you examine the world banking system... Enough said. More to the story...
Melissa Allin, PE
BSAE
I have spent five years researching and discussing the events of 9/11. The reason I would like to sign this petition for a new investigation is due to…
Melissa Allin, PE
BSAE
Comanche, OK
B.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Oklahoma. Over 15 years in mechanical design, pumping systems and fluid systems design, design analysis, stress analysis and modeling, fatigue analysis and modeling, large-scale testing, and metallurgical aspects of carbon, alloy, and stainless steels. Included in this experience is approximately seven years in design of thin-walled mechanical systems for high pressure/high temperature environments.
I have spent five years researching and discussing the events of 9/11. The reason I would like to sign this petition for a new investigation is due to the unanswered questions, informational gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies of the 911 Commission Report in general, and because of the unacceptable work of the NIST in investigating the collapse of the towers specifically. The tragedy of 9/11 and the mass of civilian deaths that occurred that day demand a proper investigation, unbiased fact-seeking, and full-disclosure. The American people have been charged $16 million by the NIST and received nothing of value in return for that price. I would lose my engineering license if I pulled that stunt.
Yves Parent, PE
BS Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick Canada, 1993
The real conspiracy theory is the so-called official story put out by the US government. It does not stand up to any form of scrutiny or common sense.…
Yves Parent, PE
BS Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick Canada, 1993
Saint John, NB, Canada
I graduated in 1993 from the University of New Brunswick with a BS in Electrical Engineering. I have worked extensively in the telecommunications, software and financial industry ever since.
The real conspiracy theory is the so-called official story put out by the US government. It does not stand up to any form of scrutiny or common sense. America and the world cannot move forward until the true story is uncovered.
J Loder, Musician
Musician
Do you have the strength to explore the content of this website prior to rendering judgement? If so, you are sadly going to encounter disturbing news. this should…
J Loder, Musician
Chicago, IL
Occupation: Musician
Jordan Loder is an independent musician with a long background in fund raising for non profits and a strong interest in promoting AE911truth. Favoring a focus on empirical evidence and shunning theory.
Do you have the strength to explore the content of this website prior to rendering judgement? If so, you are sadly going to encounter disturbing news. this should lead to action==> if Freedom is simply a colloquialism to you, don't waste your time exploring this information. When understanding exists, hatred and judgement is impossible.
Mr Mike R. Buchanan
Firefighting
The official story is fiction. The videos are enough to raise myriad questions. So many questions were not asked during the first white wash. Eyewitness accounts from so…
Mr Mike R. Buchanan
Gresham, OR
Occupation: Firefighting
Retired firefighter, fire inspector, ex-marine, security guard - top secret security clearance. I am very frustrated with my fellow citizens for their apathy and acceptance of the official story. I want to see these traitors punished. No one was punished for the extreme dereliction of established guidelines. I am embarrassed to be an American now.
The official story is fiction. The videos are enough to raise myriad questions. So many questions were not asked during the first white wash. Eyewitness accounts from so many people. I feel as if I have entered a time warp that has placed me on another planet.
Petition Signatories
Elizabeth Marshall
Mill Valley, CA
Occupation: Artist
Elizabeth Marshall
Mill Valley, CA
Occupation: Artist
I don't think the public has been given a credible explanation for what happened on 9/11.
Tyler Hagen
Pleasant Hill, CA
Tyler Hagen
Pleasant Hill, CA
I believe that the official explanation of the WTC tower collapses assumes impossible physics.
Tommy Ewest
Eisenach, Germany
Tommy Ewest
Eisenach, Germany
There are no important things in my biography that changes anything! The truth have to come to daylight! As fast as possible!
We have to be enlightened! A state deceives people all around the world and justifies wars and Millions of dead people.
Robert Duda
Greenacres, FL
Robert Duda
Greenacres, FL
Retired, very interested, I have watched over 30 YouTube videos and have at least 50 hours watching this.
They blew up the WTC buildings - it is going to International court, possibly in Italy.
James Patton
Dallas, TX
James Patton
Dallas, TX
I am a regular citizen of the United States with a college level education.
My intent is to find answers to the question that have arised on information regarding 1) How it is possible that an iron structure collapsed due to this event? 2) How did the structures iron get to a molten state? 3) How it is possible that, if true, evidence of thermite was found in the debris? 4) What caused World Trade Center 7 to collapse like it did? 5) If true, why was evidence ( structural beams) sold to China before being properly investigated? 6) Why the investigation from 911 Commission report did not rule out all possibilities from the structural collapse of all buildings?
Matt Gough
Jeffersonville, VT
Matt Gough
Jeffersonville, VT
I watched 9 eleven. You can't tell me that wasn't demolition
Tell us the truth. We need an independent investigation. None of the story we're supposed to believe makes sense.
Donia W. Connell
Anthony, FL
Occupation: Retired
Education: Some college - no degree
Donia W. Connell
Some college - no degree
Anthony, FL
Occupation: Retired
No technical education or experiences. However, I am a thinking person who knows bulls**t when I encounter it and the official story is most definitely bulls**t.
Only idiots believe these buildings were destroyed by being hit by planes.Only imbeciles can watch the fall of these buildings and not know they were controlled demolitions. We, the American people not only have a right to know the truth of 9/11, we have an obligation to the Americans murdered that day and the countries falsely accused.
Kirstin Elaine Martin, MBA
Gloucester, MA
Education: Degreed
Kirstin Elaine Martin, MBA
Degreed
Gloucester, MA
I speak five languages and I am a small business owner. MBA, Simmons Som, 2005
I am appalled by the implications of the scientific evidence.
Harun Varen
Houthalen, Belgium
Harun Varen
Houthalen, Belgium
Phil Emerson
Wichita, KS
Phil Emerson
Wichita, KS
Art History
Patriots should use common sense.
Alina Guzeeva
Toronto, ON, Canada
Alina Guzeeva
Toronto, ON, Canada
My background is contract law and project management. I have been working in procurement for IT. Currently I focus on contract and vendor management.
I want the truth regarding the destruction to be openly communicated. Information distortion should not be supported.
Chris Hall
Dalry, United Kingdom
Occupation: Licensed Avionic Technician (Uk.66.483036J)
Education: As per current corporate requirement.
Chris Hall
As per current corporate requirement.
Dalry, United Kingdom
Occupation: Licensed Avionic Technician (Uk.66.483036J)
HM Forces (Army) Avionic Technician, 1990 - 1999 National Certificate in Engineering awarded. Apprenticeship included calculus, Newtonian physics and determining electrical values by employing proven equations. Duration was 18 months at 40 hours per week, 2000 - 2010 Wiring and maintenance of helicopters mainly located in Norway, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. UK 2010 - Undertook EASA approved generic civil avionic license. Noted that a question bank website was available. Employed website solution. Duration was 1 year while working a 56 hour week. Present Currently certifying two, soon to be three aircraft types (fixed wing).
First and foremost a human tragedy. Clearly energy other than a mechanical collapse described by gravity. WTC 1 and 2 (and souls therein) were exploded out of existence, at a planned convenience pursuant to paper of no rational worth.
Paolo Fossa
Dsseldorf, Germany
Paolo Fossa
Dsseldorf, Germany
I am a dancer, Choreograph and teacher of contemporary dance. I have no engineering knowledge but I am interested in physics and chemistry.
I can not say who was guilty for this terrorist act, but for sure somebody lies! I am from Europe and I believe the American people should open their eyes and make the State a better place as it is, because it is a big leading country. Unfortunately, the USA is still far away rom being the ethics and democratic country that really cares about the truth. But, it is a big country where also people like you are caring about the truth and fight for it! I wish your leader to understand it!
Frederick Havil
Culver City, CA
Frederick Havil
Culver City, CA
My education has no bearing to my knowledge And wisdom.
An inside job. Instead of the USA, it should be called United State of Corruption (USC). A double standard 100% two tier justice system. One tier for the elite. The other for general public.
Israel Boyd
Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Occupation: Offshore Installation Superintendent
Education: Foundation Degree Nautical Science
Israel Boyd
Foundation Degree Nautical Science
Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Occupation: Offshore Installation Superintendent
Experience in offshore engineering but limited specific technical experience.
I remember coming home from school, I was 11 years old and my parents had the news on. I saw the second plane hit the south tower and didn't stop watching for several hours. I saw all three towers collapse and I remember seeing at the time that it looked like a demolition. Through the years I have dipped into and retreated from the idea that this was a conspiracy but I have decided once and for all, thanks to the commitment you have all made as architects, engineers, scientists, psychologists, activists and human beings... to bring forward a compelling argument against the official story and why it so badly stinks!
Stephen Pitino
Spring Brook Township, PA
Occupation: Retired
Education: 2 years college
Stephen Pitino
2 years college
Spring Brook Township, PA
Occupation: Retired
2 plus years college. Work experience as draftsman and letter-carrier.
The key question is: what happened to the vertical columns? How could they all collapse simultaneously, with no bending, from a fire. Especially on the lower floors where there was no fire? There is no place for them to go. They can't just telescope into each other.
Julia A. Buck
Dallaa, GA
Occupation: Warehouse Management
Education: High School
Julia A. Buck
High School
Dallaa, GA
Occupation: Warehouse Management
I graduated high school and completed a class on computer systems technology. I received a certification for passing the A+ computer exam after schooling. Other than Government education, my mother has taught me more that I could have ever imagined. I greatly appreciate now, the things I have been taught and taken for granted. I've always been different from everyone growing up. Today I am happy because of it, it has enabled me to see and understand things about North American society that a lot of people ignore or don't question.
The deceptive acts of the the corporate government need to be stopped. Too many innocent people have died for greed.
James H. Pittsford Iii
Ellettsville, IN
Occupation: Steamfitter
Education: High School
James H. Pittsford Iii
High School
Ellettsville, IN
Occupation: Steamfitter
In the course of my career I have been certified in several welding procedures and rigging and have a basic understanding of the science involved in the fusion of metals and the physics of suspended bodies and the forces that act upon them. Skills that I have learned in a career spanning over thirty years.
I was impressed by Mr. Chandler's video discription first, the analysis of the fall of bldg. 7 as compared with free fall.
Gina M. Mule
Rock Spring, GA
Occupation: Claims Coordinator
Education: bachelors social services
Gina M. Mule
bachelors social services
Rock Spring, GA
Occupation: Claims Coordinator
i am a mother and a student and a full time worker, the world knows about all the lies regarding 911. How wonderful our own government has set us up and killed thousands of our people.
Ridiculous-- we know the government orchestrated it all.
Geoff Burdett
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Occupation: It Support Technician
Education: Standard UK education, GCSE's
Geoff Burdett
Standard UK education, GCSE's
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Occupation: It Support Technician
Free thinker. Standard education left me utterly disappointed so I have spent the last 30 years investigating topics involving what is really happening behind the curtains of Government and commerce. Myself and several family members, friends and work colleagues discuss these topics all the time. 9/11 is pivotal to exposing what is really happening behind these curtains.
The official story is utterly unbelievable after no more than 30 mins research online. This needs to be discussed openly in the public eye and those responsible must be held accountable for both their actions and motivations for causing / allowing this to happen.
James T. Kershaw
North Haledon, NJ
Occupation: Designer
Education: BA
James T. Kershaw
BA
North Haledon, NJ
Occupation: Designer
I have a BA degree in education, taught Industrial Arts in a public school and am now a Kitchen Designer.
I witnessed the attack on the Towers from a vantage point in New Jersey on that clear sunny morning. I found out the truth in 2008 when I was at a street fair and visited your booth and have been deeply troubled about the situation ever since. I have spoken to most of my friends and associates about what really happened and most cannot face up to the facts. I am afraid the 'people in charge' will never allow an investigation.
Anna Marchant
Signal Mtn, TN
Occupation: Retired
Education: BA
Anna Marchant
BA
Signal Mtn, TN
Occupation: Retired
There are numerous 'official stories' that are untrue. This one is cankerous to my well being and the well being of our global society. The truth must be told, the facts must be stated, an additional investigation must be opened.
Stella R. Perez
Pflugerville, TX
Stella R. Perez
Pflugerville, TX
I do not have any degrees that would allow me to prove what actually happened, but I have seen buildings deliberately demolished before, and that is exactly what all three of the buildings look like.
There is no way that the World Trade Center buildings were brought down by just airplanes crashing into them. Something else was at play, and the people who lost family member's have the right to know the truth.
Brady Roth
Oakdale, MN
Brady Roth
Oakdale, MN
Hassan F. Hamed
Newburgh, IN
Occupation: Cardiologist
Education: University
Hassan F. Hamed
University
Newburgh, IN
Occupation: Cardiologist
I am an average person, watched the videos. I was watching and hearing the news.
I watched the videos, I can not understand why building 7 collapsed without being hit by a plane. We heard about the people who are Mossad agents were arrested next day, they were in a van, then no more news about them.
Eric Spiby
Adelaide, SA, Australia
Occupation: Retired
Education: Degree level
Eric Spiby
Degree level
Adelaide, SA, Australia
Occupation: Retired
I am university educated and have enough life experience to realise that their is an urgent need to pursue the truth in the case of the events of 9/11 2001.
There is no logical explanation put forward by the US government as to why and how the twin towers collapsed. Scientists, engineers, and anyone capable of rational thought can see that there needs to be a fresh unbiased enquiry into this event. To not do so represents the biggest threat to democracy and truth in history. Tens of thousands have died as a result of actions taken due to this event. Demand justice now.
Michael Aymie, MA
Osterville, MA
Occupation: Public Safety
Education: MA
Michael Aymie, MA
MA
Osterville, MA
Occupation: Public Safety
I have degrees in biochemistry and applied linguistics. More importantly, I have enough common sense to understand that the official narrative is untrue and meant to deceive the public. The powers responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent New Yorkers and others on flights opened the doors for both the destruction of middle eastern peoples and their societies (for political and economic gain), as well as the removal of constitutional protections here in the US. Ask yourself who benefited from this carnage.
Educate yourselves. The fate of our nation depends on it.
Sherif Sadek
St Johns, NL, Canada
Sherif Sadek
St Johns, NL, Canada
Software programmer/Author/Activist graduate in faculty of engineering, Ain Shams, Cairo, EGYPT
In my opinion, the events of 9/11 were just a cover before the USA people and the world to invade Iraq and steal its wealth.
Jacob Boyer
Felton, CA
Education: BS: Recreation, Park, Tourism, Administration. Minor: Scuba
Jacob Boyer
BS: Recreation, Park, Tourism, Administration. Minor: Scuba
Felton, CA
I majored in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, and Minored in Scuba, from Western Illinois University. I was involved with a 90 day outdoor leadership program, worked at several camps, and currently am a facilitator for high ropes courses and zip lines. I am also an aquarist in California. I used to work at Rainforest Cafe in Illinois as an animal care specialist.
I believe there was a controlled demolition from inside the towers, and would like the truth about what happened.
Andrew X. Coronado
Steamboat Springs, CO
Education: Some college
Andrew X. Coronado
Some college
Steamboat Springs, CO
At the moment I've finished my first college semester. Hearing countless experts voice there findings and scientific evidence supports the plans couldn't bring down,the buildings..
We all know the government did it. The first step is getting them to admit it. The second step is change.
Rachel E. Nelson
Waukegan, IL
Rachel E. Nelson
Waukegan, IL
A Citizen of The United States of America. That should be more than enough relevance.
The Whole Truth is Needed and Deserved by All Citizens of The United States of America.
Ronald Woods
Brownsburg, IN
Ronald Woods
Brownsburg, IN
Brian Johnson
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation: Management
Education: College Degree
Brian Johnson
College Degree
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation: Management
College degree and worked many years as a chemist. No relevant experience except I work a lot with rehabbing old houses and understand basic principles of physics (every action creates an equal and opposite reaction (Aluminum wings vs steel and concrete), conservation of energy (plane fuel does not burn for 3 months at one site and go out in 3 hours at another comparable site).
I didn't understand why airplane fuel was still burning at Christmas time 2011 when I visited NYC. Also puzzled how the building 7 skyscraper fall directly in its own path to the ground? Makes no sense. I was very disappointed in the official investigation. Why weren't more resources devoted to investigating this tremendous loss of life, even if the story they came up with in the first week turns out to be an accurate one?