Actor and retired U.S. Marine Rob Riggle described the scene at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as “apocalyptic” and “surreal.” Riggle, who was part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit based in Manhattan at the time, was among the first responders who worked to clear debris and search for survivors.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Riggle recalled the devastation, noting that skyscrapers had their facades “clawed out” from falling debris, and other buildings were weakened to the point of collapse. He described burned-out fire trucks and police cars scattered among pictures and paper debris, painting a picture of Manhattan in “some sort of apocalyptic ruin.”
Riggle was part of a “bucket brigade,” a line of people who passed buckets of debris by hand. This method was used to avoid using heavy machinery, which could have potentially harmed any survivors trapped beneath the rubble. He shared the emotional toll of the search, explaining that the team would stop periodically, and a whistle would blow to indicate a potential find. During these pauses, he said, they would pray, hoping for the discovery of someone alive, or for the recovery of remains to provide closure for families.
Despite the horrific circumstances, Riggle highlighted the profound sense of unity he witnessed in the days following the attacks. He recalled seeing members of the Senate and House of Representatives singing “God Bless America” on the steps of the Capitol. At Ground Zero, he noted, people from all walks of life worked together without judgment, unified in their efforts to understand what happened and to help.
Riggle emphasized that his focus, when reflecting on 9/11, is on the heroism of the first responders, particularly the firefighters. He stated that for every terrorist who committed an evil act, there were thousands of people trying to do the right thing. The phrase “never forget,” he explained, means remembering the innocent lives lost, acknowledging that there are individuals willing to commit harm, and maintaining constant vigilance. It also serves as a reminder that good people ultimately outnumber those who intend harm.
He also connected the events to the ongoing need to support members of the armed forces and emergency services. Riggle believes that the dedication of those in uniform is crucial to preventing future tragedies and that vigilance is necessary, without succumbing to naivete. The memory of 9/11, for him, reinforces the idea that there are more good people in the world than bad.