Lorie Van Auken

Lorie Van Auken

Lorie Van Auken is an American activist who became a prominent figure following the tragic loss of her husband, Kenneth Van Auken, in the September 11, 2001, attacks. Kenneth was a vice president at Cantor Fitzgerald, working on the 105th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building. In the aftermath of this personal tragedy, Lorie channeled her grief into advocacy, seeking accountability and transparency regarding the events leading up to and following 9/11.

Residing in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Lorie joined forces with three other widows—Kristen Breitweiser, Patty Casazza, and Mindy Kleinberg—who collectively became known as the “Jersey Girls.” This group was instrumental in lobbying the U.S. government to establish an independent commission to investigate the 9/11 attacks. Their persistent efforts led to the creation of the 9/11 Commission, officially known as the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The Jersey Girls closely monitored the commission’s proceedings, advocating for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Lorie’s advocacy extended to public testimonies and media appearances. She testified before congressional hearings, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. In a 2005 forum, she discussed the importance of addressing unanswered questions and ensuring that the commission’s recommendations were implemented effectively.

In addition to her work with the Jersey Girls, Lorie has been a vocal proponent of utilizing federal courts to try terrorism suspects. In 2009, she, along with other 9/11 widows and national security experts, advocated for federal trials for Guantanamo detainees accused in the 9/11 conspiracy. She emphasized that federal courts had been effective in delivering justice in terrorism cases and cautioned against fearmongering that could undermine constitutional principles.

Throughout her advocacy, Lorie has remained committed to honoring the memory of her husband and all 9/11 victims by seeking truth and justice. Her efforts have been instrumental in bringing attention to critical issues related to national security, government transparency, and the rights of victims’ families. Through her unwavering dedication, Lorie Van Auken has made a lasting impact on public discourse and policy reforms in the United States.

Cited sources