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9/11 hero William Rodriguez speaks out at UEL Students' Union event

Wednesday 7 February 2007

William Rodriguez, the last man to get out of the Twin Towers alive on 9/11, recounted his experiences on Tuesday, 6 February to an audience of over 160 students, staff and local residents at the University of East London (UEL).

Mr Rodriguez worked for 20 years as a janitor in the North Tower, taking care of the stairwells. As holder of a master key, he opened all the locks for the rescue workers to go up and the survivors to get down the shortest and safest routes.

Through his dedication to duty in the face of destruction, he saved hundreds of lives on that day, and became a national hero honoured at the White House. Currently he is a leader and representative of the 9/11 Victims Group.

William Rodriguez said: “After five years governments continue to use 9/11 as an excuse for their international political agenda. We have been trying to expose the lies and the manipulation of this agenda and fighting to keep our civil rights.”

9/11 Awareness Week continues tomorrow, Thursday 8 February, when MI5 whistleblower David Shayler speaks on the workings of the secret services, 'false flag' terror operations and the 7/7 attacks.

Zubair Islam, who is organising the event for UEL Students' Union, said: “The 9/11 attacks are a defining moment in our history, but the story of what actually happened is still unfolding. Mr Rodriguez has raised urgent questions about the rhetoric and the realities in the so-called war on terror.”

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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