John O’Neill was an FBI special agent whose work was largely unrecognized and disregarded by his peers until it was too late. Described as a “maverick” due to his refusal to accept the status quo, O’Neill warned of al Qaeda’s growing power and influence in the months leading up to September 11th, 2001.
In the PBS documentary Frontline, O’Neill’s efforts are detailed through interviews with colleagues, family members, and former government officials. The film paints a vivid picture of O’Neill’s tireless work over several years – from uncovering terrorist cells in New York City to tracking Osama bin Laden across multiple continents – but unfortunately he was often met with resistance from those who just couldn’t see the potential danger.
When he left the FBI in the summer of 2001, O’Neill took a job as head of security at the World Trade Center. On September 11th he bravely entered one of the towers in an attempt to rescue people trapped inside only to be killed when it collapsed.
The legacy of John O’Neil is one that will remain for generations, a reminder that we must always be diligent in ensuring our safety and security against foreign threats. Frontline offers an intimate look at how this dedicated man worked tirelessly against insurmountable odds to protect us all. It is highly recommended viewing for anyone seeking to better understand
