What you should know
- Adult woman is first 9/11 victim identified through forensic investigative genetic genealogy
- Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today announced the identification of a previously unknown victim of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center using the breakthrough technique of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), in collaboration with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
The adult woman, whose name is being withheld at the request of her family, is the first 9/11 victim identified using FIGG and the 1,654th victim identified overall through the ongoing analysis of remains recovered from the attacks, which killed 2,753 people in New York City.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks, we honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day, and we remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The identification of this victim through forensic investigative genetic genealogy is a powerful example of what is possible when we pair cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to those we lost. We will continue to work until every possible answer is found and every family that has been waiting can have the clarity and closure they deserve.”
“A quarter century after the day that forever changed our world, we are keeping the promise to identify those who died at the World Trade Center in 2001 and return them to their loved ones,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Graham. “This sacred commitment is propelled by our dedication to apply the most innovative scientific techniques, and FIGG represents a promising new addition to our toolkit. Thanks to this collaboration with the NYPD Investigative Genetic Genealogy Squad, we are generating identification leads that otherwise might not have been possible.”
Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques. This latest identification is the result of a new collaboration that combines OCME’s forensic capabilities with NYPD’s genealogical expertise.
FIGG pairs specialized DNA technologies with genealogical investigative techniques to produce identification leads that are then confirmed by OCME through DNA or other forensic methodologies.
In addition to the new 9/11 identification, OCME continues to link remains to previously identified victims so they can be returned to their families. Recent links have been confirmed for three individuals using FIGG, DNA reference samples obtained through renewed family outreach and ongoing retesting of remains recovered since 2001.
The new identification is the latest identification of a World Trade Center victim since August 2025. Some 1,099 victims — 40% of those who died — remain unidentified. The Administration will continue this work in the coming months and years ahead, using every available scientific tool to identify victims and provide answers to the families who have been waiting for them.