Chapter 10 "Wartime" Summary and Analysis

After the attacks, the President was taken to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The Secret Service advised him not to return to Washington, and Offutt was equipped to shelter the President for an extended period.

The CIA informed the President that early indications pointed to al-Qaeda. The President declared, "We're at war." All non-emergency civilian aircraft were grounded. Later that day, the President overruled the concerns of the Secret Service and returned to the White House, where he addressed the nation that evening. In this address, he informed the world that no distinction would be made between terrorists and the nations that harbor or assist them.

By September 14, Vice President Richard Cheney formed and presented to the President an early version of what would ultimately become the Department of Homeland Security.

Concerns lingered about possible follow-up...