Senator Ron Johnson has launched an inquiry into the events of September 11, 2001.
Following his appearance on a right-wing podcast where he echoed controversial claims regarding the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, Johnson’s office confirmed that the senator is now collecting records and information with the aim of initiating congressional hearings on the nearly quarter-century-old tragedy.
He intends to pursue the investigation as chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a prominent body within Congress known for probing major issues ranging from war profiteering to organized crime and the 2008 financial meltdown. As chair, Johnson has wide discretion to explore matters of national concern.
Speaking with MAGA commentator Benny Johnson on Tuesday, the senator claimed that one of the structures in the vicinity of the Twin Towers “was a controlled demolition.” He was referring to Building 7, which collapsed several hours after the initial attacks, when al Qaeda hijackers crashed two passenger jets into the World Trade Center towers.
The destruction of Building 7, which was not directly struck by a plane, has long fueled baseless speculation, with some theorists alleging that the structure was rigged with explosives, or even that the government orchestrated the entire collapse to implicate al Qaeda.
The building housed several federal offices, including a CIA facility, which has contributed to its role in online conspiracy culture. The phrase “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” has become emblematic of this movement.
Ron Johnson also cited a film promoting such views, arguing that the government-led probe into Building 7’s collapse—carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—was flawed. “What actually happened on 9/11? What do we know? What is being covered up?” he asked. “My guess is there’s an awful lot being covered up in terms of what the American government knows about 9/11.”
In addition to the two planes that destroyed the Twin Towers, the 9/11 attacks included a jet that crashed into the Pentagon and another that passengers forced down in Pennsylvania. These incidents have already been examined in depth by lawmakers and an independent bipartisan commission, which scrutinized intelligence failures and the potential involvement of Saudi government officials.
Despite that, Johnson appears to believe further probing is needed. He has also expressed skepticism about the official narrative surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot, saying in the podcast, “a massive cover-up of exactly what happened” is taking place.
He acknowledged that critics view him as “a conspiracy theorist.” “But,” he continued, “that’s how they keep things covered up.”
As for when hearings might be held, Johnson’s spokesperson said that would “depend on what information/documentation is obtained by our office.”
{Matzav.com}