Successfully, I gather.
Yes, we had all traffic off the rivers by about half past three. And air traffic had been put on stand-down. Outgoing flights were postponed and remained on the ground. Incoming flights were diverted to Boston and other airports. You can imagine the number of irate passengers. But that was the least of it. Christ, it’s been weeks and you can still smell the smoke uptown.
Swarthout
Your name, please?
Philip B. Swarthout.
You reside at Two Eighteen East Forty-ninth Street in Manhattan?
That’s right, yes.
Your official position, Mr. Swarthout? This is for the record.
Assistant Deputy Mayor of New York. My job is to coordinate operations of the various security and emergency departments in the city government. And maintain liaison with outside agencies that function in the city-the FBI, the Narcotics Bureau, that sort of thing.
You understand the purpose of this inquiry?
Yes, certainly.
Do you have a prepared statement you’d like to offer at this time?
No. Was I expected to prepare one?
Not at all. A few witnesses have asked to read their statements into the record. I thought you might…
I’d like to try to help clear this thing up. I came here to answer questions. It’s your investigation, Mr. Skinner-you ask them, I’ll try to answer them.
The commission appreciates your cooperation, Mr. Swarthout. All right, let’s begin with the chronology. When did the incident first come to your attention?