Former CIA Official Shares Experiences with 9/11, Bin Laden

Morell, who also was the CIA's acting director twice, in 2011 and 2012–13, touched upon numerous topics, including his briefing of President Bush during the 9/11 attacks and his role during the Osama bin Laden raid. He also spoke about how CIA operations work, the state of affairs in the Middle East, and the rise of ISIS. 

Arguably the most emotional and intense parts of the talk were Morell’s descriptions of 9/11 and the Bin Laden raid. He was one of the first to explain to Bush the ongoing situation directly after the planes struck the World Trade Center. Morell said that he didn’t think Bush found closure on the 9/11 tragedy until Bin Laden was killed. 

Morell also worked closely with President Obama during the hunt for Bin Laden and explained that the operation was not disclosed to any outsiders, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other important leaders, until right before the raid. The suspense and tension of the raid could be felt through Morell’s words.

                  
At the end of the lecture, Morell handed out copies of his book, The Great War of Our Time: The CIA's Fight Against Terrorism—From al Qa'ida to ISIS, which further details what he discussed in the lecture.

Morell's visit proved valuable and informative, and many said it was one of the most interesting events they had attended at Groton.—George Klein '16