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Death Toll Still Unknown in World Trade Center, Pentagon Attacks
Updated Sept. 13, 2001

The death toll is still unknown in the aftermath of the worst act of terrorism in modern history. Hundreds are known to have died in the commercial airliners that were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Thousands more are missing and presumed trapped in the ruined buildings.

As the investigation continues and President Bush considers how to respond - and against whom - many survey organizations have run overnight polls on the public's initial reaction. As you might expect, the American people are angry, saddened, and ready to strike back. But it's important to remember that public opinion can be extremely volatile after a traumatic event, and that first reactions may not be lasting ones. Overnight polls, in particular, are best for capturing initial impressions, rather than identifying long-term trends.

An almost unheard-of 99 percent of those surveyed Tuesday told the ABC News/Washington Post poll that they watched or listened to news reports on the attacks. Nine in ten Americans said they prayed for the victims during the day, 41 percent said they left work early, and 28 percent said they checked on relatives in New York or Washington. Some 87 percent told Gallup researchers that the attacks were "the most tragic news event in [their] lifetime."

There is also a strong desire for retaliation: CBS News found nine in ten Americans are "very" or "somewhat" confident that the U.S. will catch those responsible, and two-thirds are in favor of retaliation even if it means innocent people might be killed. Yet Gallup found that only 21 percent wanted to strike known terrorist organizations even if isn't clear who is responsible, while 71 percent said they were willing to wait to identify the specific groups, even if it takes months.

But terrorism has always been a major concern for the public - although poll questions are most likely to be asked immediately following an incident. Last year, for example, right after the allegations of thwarted plans for a "millennium bombing," three-quarters said they were concerned about terrorism in the U.S. and 37 percent said the government wasn't doing enough to prevent it. Only 5 percent thought the number of terrorist attacks would decrease in the future. In a May 2001 Pew survey, 64 percent considered international terrorism a major threat to the U.S.

Public Agenda, based in New York, joins with all Americans in expressing our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.

These resources may be helpful in finding out more information:

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