September 11 Digital Archive / "Satan in the Smoke" Emails

"Satan in the Smoke" Emails

On the morning of September 11, immediately after two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in Manhattan, photojournalist Mark D. Phillips took a picture that would prove to be one of the most evocative and disputed images of that tragic day. Many peple later construed the image of the smoke in his photo of the burning buildings to compose the face of Satan. These e-mails related to this picture provide a revealing portal into Americans' responses to the attacks in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

Hi Mark, My mom sent me the WTC picture you took. Wow, what a shot! It is a creepy image of the devil. I was very concerned for you and your family on the day of the tragedy. I was so glad to hea...

YES, I CAN SEE THE IMAGE AND I DON'T BELIEVE THAT YOU DOCTURED OR WHATEVER YOU CALL IT I BELIEVE THAT IT IS AN ACT OF EVIL OF ALL SORTS AND THAT FOR UW TO BEGIN TO BELIEVE THERE IS A HEAVEN AND HELL B...

Hello Mark, Wow what a picture. Are you related to the Phillips from Leger NC, Everett and Edna. If so I am Alan Hutchins son of Mary Phillips, if not sorry to take your time. Anyway................

Mark this is Keith Burr. The other day I sent you a e-mail stating that I thought I saw another image in the smoke. I think you took my message the wrong way. In no way I'am I trying to say anything b...

fascinating stuffi'm with you all the way!it's amazing the hand that we sometimes get dealt with! i love the photo. also, please tell andrea that her column today on UN was artfully done and wonderful...

i heard of that image but have never seen it til this minate!!! i do believe satan and evil was alive that horrible day for us as americans but we will over come terrorism thank you for taking those i...

good morning!!^BC-Attacks-Smoke Photo,0340...

Hi,I heard you on the radio this morning in Greenville, SC. I could feel the pain and disappointment in your voice this morning. I understand your profession and it is people like you that make us fee...

Hi Mark and Stellar Images, I saw the picture today for the first time and I agree it is a very scary, but an interesting picture. I feel also the Devil and Bin Laden is behind the horrific terrible...