Former deputy attorney general Larry Thompson reflects on 'September 12' and national security shifts after 9/11

Larry Thompson, introduced by the event host as a former U.S. Department of Justice official, told the Glynn County remembrance audience that Sept. 12, 2001, showed "who we were going to be in response" to the attacks and underscored that the nation's response shifted from investigation to prevention.

Thompson recounted being escorted by United States Marshals to a secure location on Sept. 11 and recalled briefings with cabinet members and a sense of national shock. He said he "strongly advocated for the passage of the Patriot Act after 9 11," while noting that concerns about civil liberties were raised in good faith. Thompson also praised ongoing philanthropy, memorials and the work of first responders over the last 25 years.

Thompson's remarks combined personal recollection with policy reflection: he framed prevention as the Department of Justice's post‑9/11 focus, described the balance between civil liberties and safety as a continuing national debate, and urged the audience to remember both the tragedy and the cooperative choices the country made afterward.