Scott Pelley Reports on Ongoing 9/11 Victim Identification Efforts in Latest 60 Minutes Episode

Scott Pelley, a renowned correspondent for the long-running news magazine show 60 Minutes, has delved into a poignant and ongoing story in his latest segment. The episode, titled “The Promise,” focuses on the relentless efforts of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains of victims from the 9/11 terror attacks, more than two decades after the tragedy.

The segment highlights the case of John Niven, whose remains were recently identified through a DNA match with his son, Jack. John Niven was among the over 1,000 victims whose remains had not been identified until December 2023. The identification was made possible by a DNA swab taken from Jack when he was just 18 months old. This breakthrough came after years of testing bone fragments found at the World Trade Center site[2].

Pelley’s report underscores the dedication and advanced technology used by the medical examiner’s office. The team has been working tirelessly, using reference samples such as toothbrushes, razors, and hairbrushes, as well as DNA from living relatives, to identify the remains. The discovery of bone fragments on the roof of a building across the street from ground zero in 2006 was a significant turning point in this ongoing process.

The emotional impact of these identifications on the families of the victims is also explored. Ellen Niven, John’s widow, shared her reaction to the news, expressing both sadness and gratitude for the continued efforts to find her husband’s remains. The segment also features interviews with other families and the medical examiner’s staff, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges involved in this work[2].