Accession Number: C.2012.153.3
Dimensions: 3.875 in X 2.625 in
Dimensions (Metric): 9.8425 cm X 6.6675 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Allison Gilbert, author and journalist
Description
Press pass issued by the New York City Police Department to Allison Gilbert of WNBC-TV. The pass includes a head shot of Gilbert on the left and the expiration date of 12/31/2003. The pass entitles the individual to cross police and fire lines wherever formed. It is signed by both the Police and Fire Commissioners.
Historical Notes
Allison Gilbert, an investigative producer for WNBC-TV, anticipated that her work on September 11 would focus on the day’s New York City mayoral primary. Instead, she was directed to cover breaking news of a plane crash at the World Trade Center. Gilbert used her press credentials to pass police barricades and make her way to the scene. She had reached the corner of West and Vesey Streets when the North Tower collapsed.
Covered in dust and debris and having difficulty breathing, Gilbert was assisted by emergency responders and taken to a triage center in the Millenium Hilton hotel. Wearing a triage tag describing her condition, she was transported by ambulance to Bellevue Hospital. While there, she transmitted a live report on what she had seen and experienced at the World Trade Center earlier that morning.