Hunting a Monster: The FBI’s Frenzied Race to Stop 9/11’s Elusive Hijacker | Ep. 262 | Pt. 1

In this gripping episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with Harry Samit, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer and retired FBI agent who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant counterterrorism cases in history: the arrest of Zacarias Moussaoui, the "20th hijacker" of the 9/11 attacks. Samit shares chilling details of his investigation in the weeks leading up to September 11, 2001, revealing how close the FBI came to uncovering the hijacker’s plot and the bureaucratic roadblocks that hindered their efforts. With a career spanning naval intelligence to FBI counterterrorism, Samit offers a unique perspective on the challenges of combating extremism and the personal toll of being at the forefront of such high-stakes investigations. From uncovering Moussaoui’s ties to the 9/11 hijackers to battling FBI headquarters for permission to search his belongings, Samit’s story is a heart-pounding narrative of instinct, frustration, and resilience. He recounts the moment he realized the magnitude of the missed opportunity and the emotional weight of survivor’s guilt that lingers to this day. Packed with never-before-heard details and candid reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the untold stories behind one of America’s darkest days and the relentless pursuit of justice in its aftermath.

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