Former Secret Service Agent Reflects on 9/11 Survival and Faith

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks approaches, former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Darin Kinder is sharing his experience of surviving the collapse of the World Trade Center. Kinder, who had been with the agency for 18 months, was in the New York field office located in Building 7 when the first plane struck. He recalls being ordered to evacuate shortly after the initial impact, eventually witnessing the destruction from the street.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Kinder describes the day as a juxtaposition between witnessing "pure evil" and seeing the "best of America" through the selfless actions of ordinary people and first responders. He notes that these memories remain vivid and powerful for him decades later. In his book, "Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11," Kinder honors the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives. He credits his survival and his ability to process the trauma to his faith, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose in the wake of such profound national loss.