He was one of the few to spend September 11, 2001, at the side of the president of the United States.
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Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer was there in the Florida classroom where George Bush first learnt the country was under attack.
He flew on Air Force One as it completed Cold War-era random flying manoeuvres to avoid threats. He was in the command bunker as Mr Bush ran a National Security Council meeting.
Now, 13 years later, he has tweeted a detailed account of that day - the fear, the misinformation and the search for safety.
In messages timed to coincide with the original events, Mr Fleischer discusses everything from military to media responses.
The consultant reveals the suspicions that Air Force One was facing attack from within and without. He details how the plane made an unusually steep ascent to avoid an anticipated sniper attack.
He tells of Mr Bush's first reactions to the tragedy and his private vows of revenge.
Here is a selection of messages from Mr Fleischer's account.
Initial response
The Pres. was going to address the press re the "accident". Given the news re the 2nd tower, I didn't think he should address the press yet. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
I wrote on back of a legal pad "DON'T SAY ANYTHING YET". I wanted him 2b briefed b4 talking. I put my back to the press & held up the sign. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Military responses
We had a fighter escort as we returned to DC. This is the scene aboard AFOne as we looked out the windows: pic.twitter.com/BgogjMZMmh — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Here's a video of the fighter escort. I hope you can watch this: http://t.co/QviSAN03XS — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
The president speaks to his people
"Freedom, itself, was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended. I want to reassure the American people... — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
...that the full resources of the Federal Government r working 2assist local authorities 2save lives and 2help the victims of these attacks. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Fleeing to safety, planning the next move
Here is a scene aboard AFOne in POTUS's cabin, enroute Barksdale. pic.twitter.com/ayAgN7Efuv — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Mr Bush's private vows of revenge
(1/2) I'm not sure who Bush said this to, but my notes show Bush said, "I can't wait to find out who did it..." — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
(2/2) "...It's going to take a while and we're not going to have a little slap on the wrist crap." — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Bush also told VP - and I quote - "We're at war Dick and we're going to find out who did this and we're going to kick their ass." — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
False reports of an attack
FOne Capt. Mark Tillman told me 10 yrs later that we took off at unusually steep ascent bcause he had a report of a sniper at end of runway. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Colonel Tillman also told the media years later that the control tower told him that an unidentified plane was descending toward AFOne. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Fears of an inside assault on Air Force One
"A call came into the switchboard saying 'Angel is next,'" Bush said. 'Angel' was the codeword for Air Force One. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Col. Tillman, upon hearing the news, posted an armed Air Force Security Officer at the base of the steps leading up to the cockpit of AFOne. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Think about that. Aboard one of the most secure spots on earth, with nothing but trusted aides/Secret Service, the fear was an inside attack — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Military protections
Around 10:20: Bush authorized military to go to Def Con 3, the highest level of military alert since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
The military drills 4 everything. They kicked in old Cold War training for how 2 protect POTUS. We flew at 45,000 feet in a random pattern. — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
Returning to Washington, DC
4:30 Pres. Bush called Mrs. Bush. "I'm coming home...see you at the White House." — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
He also told the First Lady, "If I'm in the WH and there's a plane coming my way, all I can say is I hope I read my Bible that day." — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014
In the Oval Office
Here's the scene in the President's private dining room off the Oval Office after we arrived. pic.twitter.com/5fET4K15Y8 — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2014