X account '2001 Live' breaks character to detail massive real-time 9/11 coverage plan

For those of us who are old enough to remember, the events of September 11, 2001, will be forever etched on our minds. Many will remember where they were when they were first told American Airlines Flight 11 had hit the World Trade Center’s North Tower, quickly followed by news that United Airlines Flight 175 had hit the South Tower, American Airlines Flight 77 had struck the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 had crashed into an empty field in Shanksville.

There were no survivors from any of the four planes, but alongside office workers at the Pentagon and many people inside the World Trade Center towers, the death toll is thought to have reached 2,997 for the deadliest terror attack in history.

As the world still heals from 9/11, one popular X account has announced how it'll handle the 25th anniversary.

With 570,000 followers on X, @25YearsAgoLive pretends like each current day is 25 years ago.

While that's all well and good while celebrating the likes of Band of Brothers' HBO debut on September 9, The Lion King's Jonathan Taylor Thomas turning 20 on September 8, and Michael Jackson launching his 30th anniversary special tribute concerts on September 7, we sadly know what's just around the corner.

A September 9 post includes an ominous shot of a US Navy VFA-105 Gunslingers staging a flyover past the Twin Towers, and it's tragic to think that just days later, it will be a scene of devastation.

While the account usually maintains the character that we really are living 25 years in the past, the OP has posted an FAQ confirming how they'll handle 9/11.

Pinned to the top of the profile, the account claims it has around 410 posts planned for September 11, working out to about one every three minutes as they try to post as close as possible to the actual events unfolding.

Instead of relying on automation, the owner will be posting throughout the day, giving us a real-time timeline as if it were 9/11 all over again.

Even though some might find it jarring, others think it's a respectful way to remind people of the events from that fateful day.

Elsewhere, the sole owner of @25YearsAgoLive explained why they won't be showing sensitive content, adding: "I had the option to and I decided against it. Graphic photos and video exist, but it would be disrespectful to the victims to show it. You’re welcome to look it up for yourself."

An impressive amount of research has gone into running the account, with the OP claiming they've watched 240 hours of video footage, spoken to people professionally associated with the events, and corroborated stories to make sure posts are as accurate as possible.

Anticipating that there might be some asking about the many 9/11 conspiracy theories, the owner quickly shut them down and reiterated: "There was no conspiracy related to the September 11 attacks. Those who seriously entertain conspiracy theories in the comments will be blocked."

There's also the idea that they're 'profiting' off the tragedy, although the account claims this isn't the case. Saying that X has permanently suspended its creator monetization program, they haven't applied for the new system, and their 9/11 content won't be monetized: "I am doing this as a passion project and because I love history and have been live-posting history for eight years - long before I was ever paid to do so."

If they make any money from September 11 posts, they promise to donate it to charity and share the receipts, concluding: "This was a tragic event and funds deserve to go to the victims of the tragedy and remembrance of it."

Giving us a fascinating peek behind the curtain of how the account works, many have praised @25YearsAgoLive for respectfully honoring this difficult day.