trade center. turned on the television and sat there wondering, how could a plane hit the world trade center, clear sky, no weather problems how do you account for this? >> one of those normal tuesday mornings. i was standing at my desk, getting ready for my staff meeting. my executive assistant walked in and said a plan hit the world trade center. immediately my mind went to a twin engine plane of skin. i said that's a terrible accident. >> as i was leaving the motorcade i got a page telling me the with treasure coast was hit by a plane. karl rove got to the president first and told the president a plane has hit the world trade center. the president went into a holding room. >> i called the president and said mr. president, a plane has hit the world trade center. he said that's strange, a strange accident. i said i would call him back when we had more information. >> first moments i called mayor giuliani right away.