Neil Herman is a retired FBI agent and was one of the lead investigators involved with US counterterrorism operations after the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993. He worked for the FBI from 1974 until his retirement in July of 1998, and he is currently a resident of Somers. Today Herman joins host Brett Freeman to discuss the many incidents of international and domestic terrorism that he investigated over the course of his distinguished career with the FBI. He begins with a detailed timeline of terrorism cases he worked in New York City through the 1970s to the 1990s, including the Unabomber investigation, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, and the murder of Meir Kahane in 1990. He then recounts the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and explains how this ultimately led to the tragedy of 9/11.

Herman shares his own personal experience of watching the events of September 11, 2001 unfold on television, and his initial hunch that al-Qaeda was responsible. He speaks about the toll that terrorism investigations can take on both victims and agents, and explains why cooperation between local, federal, and international law enforcement is so essential when working these cases. Freeman asks Herman what mistakes our federal government made leading up to 9/11, how he feels about current events in Afghanistan and having unvetted refugees in our country, and how he became one of the first in America to learn who Osama bin Laden was. Herman offers his perspective on whether the Patriot Act has been used in excess, our position in Guantanamo Bay, and what lies ahead for the future of terrorism in America. He reflects on the cyclical nature of international and domestic terrorism, and shares his concerns about declining support toward law enforcement, as well as misinformation being perpetuated on social media. 

Finally, you’ll hear about the great personal sacrifices made by Herman’s family throughout his career, the invaluable relationships he developed during his time as an agent, and how his early experience in journalism school helped him transition to his post with the FBI. Herman concludes with what he loves most about living in Somers, and explains why moving there was one of the best decisions he ever made for himself and his family following his retirement from law enforcement.

Episode Highlights:

• Today’s guest is retired FBI agent and Somers resident Neil Herman 
• Herman joined the FBI in 1971, became a Special Agent in 1973, and was transferred to New York in 1974
• This is when the modern age of international and domestic terrorism began (Summer Olympics in Munich, Puerto Rican Independence Movement, LaGuardia Airport Bombing, car bomb at Dupont Circle, Croatian Movement)
• Weather Underground Task Force was formed under Ken Walton and Bob McGuire in May 1980; this was responsible for investigating domestic and international acts of terrorism
• The Weather Underground terrorist group, in conjunction with the Black Liberation Army, killed a Brinks security guard and two police officers on October 20, 1981
• Herman was involved with investigations such as the Unabomber case, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, the murder of Meir Kahane in 1990, and the first World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993
• The first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 set the tone for what became of international terrorism around the world
• Several defendants fled the country - each extradition had to be coordinated through the Justice Department
• Ramzi Yosef was one of the main perpetrators in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing
• The most significant bridge between the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and 9/11 was the Bojinka Plot, which was a large-scale, three-phase terrorist attack planned by Ramzi Yousef and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed for January 1995
• Herman was also...