On 8 October 2001, US President George W. Bush unveiled the formation of the Office of Homeland Security, a pivotal step in bolstering the nation's defence mechanisms against the looming threat of terrorism.
This office, born in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks, was designed to streamline and coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring a unified approach to safeguarding the country from further assaults.
Headed by former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, its establishment underscored the administration's recognition of the need for a dedicated body to address emerging security challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Bush's announcement heralded a new era in national security, one driven by the urgency of preventing future tragedies of such magnitude.