George W Bush’s reaction tothe 9/11 attacks in America has been detailed in full for the first time by his press secretary, highlighting the former president’s immediate determination to “get the b——-” responsible.
Ari Fleischer’s six handwritten pages of notes from on board the president’s plane, Air Force One, which have been released ahead of Sunday’s 15th anniversary of the attacks, reveal Mr Bush’s shock and anger on the day.
“We’re at war,” Mr Bush told Dick Cheney, the vice president, by telephone from the plane.
Hanging up and turning to his aides, he added: “That’s what we’re paid for boys. We’re going to take care of this, when we find out who did this they are not going to like me as president.”
George W Bush pictured on 9/11
George W Bush with his aides on the day the attacks took place
The notes, some of which Mr Fleischer has referenced before but were released in full to Reuters on Friday, reveal that the former president was quick to establish the need to retaliate after the atrocities.
“I can’t wait to find out who did it,” he adds. “It’s going to take a while and we’re not going to have a little slap on the wrist crap.”
The attacks, involving four hijacked passenger planes, killed 2,996 people and injured more than 6,000 others in New York City, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
There was concern from the US Secret Service that Mr Bush’s plane was a target, but the former president was insistent that he had to return to Washington from Florida.
The moment Bush was informed of 9/11 Play! 00:47
“I want to get home as soon as possible,” he said. “I don’t want whoever this is holding me outside Washington.”
In another conversation with Mr Cheney, Mr Bush stated that it was important that the American people saw that government was continuing to function.
“We’re going to get the b——-,” he told his vice president. He later declares: “It’s the new war. It’s the faceless coward that [attacks].”
Mr Fleischer’s notes include a reference to a communication heard on the plane from the ground that “Angel is next”. Air Force One’s code name at the time was “angel” and there was worry on board that the plane was a target.
George W Bush recalls being informed of 9/11 attacks Play! 01:08
Mr Fleischer said an armed guard was stationed outside the door leading to the Air Force One cockpit, in case someone on board was a threat.
Mr Bush’s concern for his wife Laura and their two daughters Barbara and Jenna is also highlighted in the notes.
He was quick to make sure they were safe and moved to a secure location. He also asked about his beloved Scottish terrier.
“Barney?” Mr Bush said.
“He’s nipping at the heels of Osama bin Laden now,” replied Andy Card, his chief of staff.
