More from Grok:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted an extensive investigation into the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings following the September 11, 2001, attacks. However, critics have argued that NIST ignored or inadequately addressed certain witness testimonies, particularly those that suggest alternative explanations like controlled demolition. Below is a detailed examination of the witness testimonies that NIST is said to have ignored, based on available sources and critiques:
1. Barry Jennings' Testimony
Details: Barry Jennings, the Deputy Director of Emergency Services for the New York City Housing Authority, was inside World Trade Center Building 7 on the morning of September 11, 2001. He reported hearing and feeling explosions before the building's collapse. In interviews, notably with Dylan Avery for the documentary "Loose Change: Final Cut," Jennings described being on the 23rd floor when an explosion occurred, trapping him and Michael Hess inside. He stated, "I was trapped in there for several hours. I was hearing all kinds of explosions." He also mentioned encountering what appeared to be bodies in the lobby, which contradicted the official report that no one died in Building 7's collapse.
NIST's Response: NIST's final report on WTC 7 (NCSTAR 1-9) does not directly address Jennings' testimony regarding explosions. The report focuses on fire-induced structural failure and does not mention his account of pre-collapse explosions. Critics, including those from Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth (AE911Truth), argue that this omission is significant, as it disregards a firsthand witness report that could indicate explosive events.
Criticism: The omission of Jennings' testimony is seen as a critical gap, especially since his account suggests events inconsistent with NIST's fire-induced collapse theory. His death in August 2008, just before NIST released its final report, has fueled speculation that his testimony was deliberately ignored.
2. Michael Hess' Testimony
Details: Michael Hess, the Corporation Counsel of New York City, was with Barry Jennings in Building 7. Hess also reported hearing explosions and being trapped inside the building. His account corroborates Jennings' testimony, adding weight to the claims of pre-collapse explosive events.
NIST's Response: Similar to Jennings, Hess' testimony is not directly addressed in NIST's report. The focus remains on structural and fire-related causes without considering these witness accounts.
Criticism: The lack of engagement with Hess' testimony is criticized as part of a broader pattern of ignoring evidence that does not align with NIST's conclusions. This is particularly noted in discussions on platforms like the Corbett Report 9/11 Whistleblowers: Barry Jennings, where the testimonies are highlighted as significant oversights.