9/11 victim identified nearly 25 years later with new forensic technique

NEW YORK (WPIX) — As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks approaches, a victim has been identified, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday. The adult woman was identified using a breakthrough technique of forensic investigative genetic genealogy, or FIGG. She is the first 9/11 victim identified using the technique and the 1,654th victim identified through analysis of remains recovered from the attacks, according to officials. The terrorist attack killed 2,753 people in New York City. “As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific Sept. 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," Mamdani said. “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," the mayor added. FIGG pairs specialized DNA technologies with genealogical investigative techniques to produce leads in identifying victims. They are then confirmed through the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner through DNA and other forensic methods.  The name of the victim is being withheld at the request of the family. Before Monday, the last time a victim of the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center was identified was in August 2025.