On September 11, 2001, as news of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. unfolded, the profound impact was felt across East Texas, with residents in Tyler expressing shock, fear, and immediate calls for a national response. Many watched televised reports from offices and homes, grappling with the scale of the devastation.

Ed Marty, a Smith County assistant district attorney and Vietnam veteran, observed outside the Smith County Courthouse that "history changed today." He described the attacks as "a cowardly act against civilians," seeing them as an act of war, and expressed concern for the diminishing of freedoms. Marty, who learned of the events through television reports, hoped for a quick response involving minimal casualties, stating that those responsible should be removed "from the face of the Earth." He also thought about his daughter and son-in-law, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood.

Tally Wiener, a law clerk in U.S. District Judge John H. Hannah Jr’s office in the Federal Building, heard the news from co-workers. She recalled the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center and her previous thought that "lightning couldn't strike twice." Wiener described her initial reaction as "they’re putting me on," and that the situation "felt like War of the Worlds." Despite her apprehension that it would "keep getting worse," she affirmed her desire to return to New York City after her one-year stint in Tyler, and noted that the attacks had not made her feel unsafe in the federal building, acknowledging that "if someone is real determined, they can get through." Wiener also stated the attacks "smells like the work of Arabs" and felt that whatever was done after the first attack "didn't stick."

Anwar Khalifa, speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, urged caution regarding attribution before acting. He stated, "Let’s not point fingers, but go after whoever did this," emphasizing the importance of awaiting facts before reacting. Khalifa expressed that he was "horrified" and called the events "terror" and "unbelievable." He conveyed that the Muslim community shared the sentiment of wanting to go after the perpetrators in the strongest way, but carefully.

Five women from the Bank of America building, including Cassandra West and Gwenda Mazibuko, huddled around a portable radio on the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza during lunch. They expressed feeling "scared to death" and wished they could go home, but did not feel safe inside their building, described as the tallest between Dallas and Shreveport. Mrs. Mazibuko questioned the attackers' motives, pondering the importance of making such a statement through the killing of so many people.

Inside the Smith County Courthouse, televisions displayed constant coverage. Marty Walker described herself as "shocked and devastated," adding that it made her "sick." Bailiff Matt Bailey, in the 231st courtroom, was unable to look away from the screen, calling it "a tragedy" and expressing disbelief that it was "happening so close." Nathan Hoffman, watching reports in Judge Diane DeVasto’s courtroom, initially believed the events to be an accident until the second plane strike, which made it "obvious it was a terrorist." He voiced apprehension about a planned trip to Germany and his son's upcoming travel to the nation's capital, stating he would decide after learning of airline and government measures.

Later in the afternoon, approximately 150 individuals gathered for an impromptu vigil outside the Smith County Courthouse, joining hands and bowing their heads in prayer. Barbara Valentine, attending the vigil, hoped President George W. Bush would "make the right decision."

A 76-year-old man, observed sitting on the downtown square, likened the attacks to Pearl Harbor but expressed little surprise. He attributed blame not to terrorists but to government negligence, stating, "It is negligence on Washington." He called for the responsible parties to be "strung up, hung up in the gallows," acknowledging his attitude was "not a very Christianlike" one given the nature of the attacks.

Marvin United Methodist Church opened its sanctuary for those wishing to pray. Maintenance workers Fred Wade and Linda Petty shared their reactions outside the church. Mr. Wade found the situation "real sad," while Ms. Petty conveyed her fear, admitting, "I keep looking up for planes," and questioning, "is it safe enough to sleep tonight?"

Ed Marty reiterated that the events of September 11 would be permanently ingrained in memory. "This is one of those days that will be marked."