"More
to the left. More, little more. Stop. Good. This’ll be a better shot of you
with Downtown as the backdrop. Whenever you’re ready. Wait. Something’s going
on. Hopefully these people move they’re going to ruin the shot."
BOOM
"What
happened? Oh my God. Natalie where are you? Natalie. Are you there? Natalie. I
can’t see anything. Please say something. Natalie."
Mark
E Mark @markE27
Anybody
downtown?
Jennifer
S. @JennS
@markE27
Are you on Lunch break? Wanna get some food?
James
Deez Nutz @jamesdawg
So
something is going on downtown?
Mark
E Mark @markE27
RT
@jamesdawg so something is going on downtown?
Mark
E Mark @markE27
@JennS
That’s probably a bad idea.
Paulie
D. @PaulieSure
Anybody
down to go to a bar tonight? Pub crawl tonight maybe? Already need to forget
today.
Johnny
@Bon_John
DUDE
WTH????
Jennifer
S @JennS
@markE27
Why? Is traffic bad? You know I’m 10 minutes away. I could walk.
Paulie
D. @PaulieSure
DRINKS
TONIGHT? ANYONE?
Meagan
@MeagaMind84
RT
@ZodiaFacts #Pisces needs to stop worrying about people who won’t do the same
for them > True!
Rex
Kwon Do @lawyerFu
Sitting
in my office, looked out the window. The Square might’ve exploded.
James
Deez Nutz @jamesdawg
The
Square blew up
Mark
E Mark @markE27
Gotta
get out of downtown now.
"WorldStar.
Yo wassup. This is kinda rare for The Square. Seeing two people who aren’t
homeless argue with each other. Those Suits with briefcases have been going at
it for a minute now. They’re really going at it. Lawyers and Business types
still get brolic, I guess. Not your typical WorldStar fight, I know, but if
they start throwing hands. Sounds like the yelling is getting louder. Gonna get
a little closer, need a better view. This woman is going in.
What
the hell kinda language are they speaking? Maybe it is two drunk bums arguing.
Sure isn’t English, can’t be Spanish either. Yeah, I’m recording. Hey y’all are
gonna be on WorldStar. Don’t think imma stop cause you giving me salty looks.
You need to chill and keep arguing with buddy. You gone let him smile and put
his hand ya face like that? Worry bout him not me. WOW. She stole on dude.
WorldStar she is not playing. This is
getting"............................................"ach, ach,
ach. My arm. Aaaaaaaaaah. The hell? My Phone? Oh. There it is. Still
recording.
Let
me flip, so you can see me. Check out my arm, disgusting. It may be broken,
ouch. Won’t touch that again. This has to be a terrorist attack, they must've
dropped a bomb. Can’t see anything. People are screaming, also sounds like
thunder and lightning are booming and banging through the square. Let me go
check this out. I’ll be back later to give you guys an update. I’m sure you’ll
want to see this."
12:40 Jordan’s
Facebook Status
Jordan Tolbert
2 minutes agoDowntown is in SHAMBLES.
Piper Jones, Larry Jason Smith, Rich McCallister, and 3 others like this.
Rich
McCallister
What’s
going on? You alright? Weds 12:41 pm * like
Jane
Conway
Are
you ok? Weds 12:41 pm * like
Jayson
Tolbert
Sis
you ok? Weds 12:42 pm * like 2
Rida
Singupta
Jordan
I’m downstairs, they’re not letting us go outside. Weds 12:43 pm * like
Miguel
Ortiz
Hey,
babe are you ok? Tried to call you. Weds 12:44 pm * like 4
Jordan
Tolbert
Hey
guys, I’m ok. Weds 12:45 pm * like 7
Miguel
Ortiz
What’s
going on? Weds 12:45 pm * like
Jordan
Tolbert
I’m
ok, The building was put on lockdown. I can sort of see from my window, but I
can’t make out anything. Seems like The Square is a Warzone. I keep hearing
these loud bangs. Weds 12:48 pm * like
Jayson
Tolbert
A
Warzone? Who would fight in The Square? Weds 12:50 pm * like
Baker
Troy Daniels
Fighting?
A fight that could turn downtown into a Warzone? Weds 12:51 pm * like
Rida
Singupta
It
sounds like bombs are going off. A few of the windows exploded. Weds 12:51 pm * like
Jane
Conway
Where
are the Police? Weds 12:52 pm * like 3
Daniel
Strait
Obama’s
administration is the reason for this. Weds 12:53 pm * like
Megan
Charles
Please
don’t start Dan. Weds 12:54 pm * like 5
Jordan
Tolbert
Daniel
this isn’t the time. Baker Troy Daniels and Jayson Tolbert it’s hard to tell,
there’s so much smoke. Weds 12:56 pm * like
Rida
Singupta
A
car flew through the lobby window downstairs. Weds 12:57 pm * like
Miguel
Ortiz
Why
haven’t you left the building yet? And I’ve called you a few times. Weds 12:58 pm * like
Melissa
Tolbert
Are
they evacuating your building yet? Weds 1:01 pm * like 6
Jayson
Tolbert
Sis
you need to get out of there. I’m looking at the news. Put your phone up, get
off the computer and leave. Weds 1:01 pm * like
"Steve
a call came in, there’s something going on Downtown," Robert said.
"More
traffic? We’re reporting on traffic right now, what’s the difference?"
Steve responded.
"Not
traffic. HQ said it was ‘Big Story’."
"Near
The Square?"
"Yeah."
"Protest,
maybe?"
"Not
sure but they want us there asap."
"Peter
we need to head downtown, quickly," Steve said into his headphones.
"Sure
thing," Peter responded.
"Once
we’re turned around maybe we’ll get somewhat of an idea of what’s going
on," Robert said.
"They
didn’t give you any info? None at all?" Steve asked.
"Um
yeah, uh, all I got was there’s a story unfolding and they need us on it."
"Looks
like an out of control fire or some sort of Warzone," Peter said.
"ETA three minutes."
"Are
those explosions?" Steve asked.
"Explosions
in The Square?"
"Or
thunder. That’s what it sounds like."
"Peter
do you see anything yet?" Robert asked.
"No,
the entire Square is covered by smoke. We might end up flying blind."
"Robert
get the camera out so we can be prepared. Whatever is going on down there, we
need to get the best parts," Steve said.
"What
am I looking for?"
"Peter
can you fly straight, the jerking can’t be necessary."
"Uh."
"Ugh."
"Peter
please be careful, we’re gonna need to get there soon, you can’t
fly......"
"Ouch."
"What
are you doing?" Steve shouted.
"Trying
to maneuver to the best of my abilities," Peter responded calmly.
"Why
would such drastic and erratic movement be.........Holy......."
"That’s
a......"
"Oh
my.......Peter move. Move out of the way."
"Please
sit down, I can avoid them on my own," Peter remained collected.
"Those.
Those cars. Those were cars. They weren’t on the ground. Weren’t driving on the
street. Those cars were off the ground, flying through the air. How did
they?" Robert said, his tone despondent.
"You
think they came from The Square? But what could’ve thrown them so far?"
"Robert,
Steve we’re almost there. It’s time to start doing our job."
"Steve,
I don’t want to do this story anymore," said a timid Robert.
"Peter’s
right. A story’s down there and it’s our job to report it. This could be one of
the biggest stories we’ve ever covered. Think about the last time you saw a car
fly through the air. When have you ever seen something like that? Imagine the
footage we could be getting. And you’ll be the cameraman to film it. Do a good
enough job and you could win awards. The awards, recognition you’ve always
desired, and deserved," Steve said.
"I’ve
never wanted to see car flying, ever. What if people had still been in those
cars?"
"Truly
tragic, but it’s our responsibility to report. We have to present this to the
World. Peter get closer, so we can get good view. Robert come back to us, get
it together. I need you to hold the camera steady. We don’t want messy straight
to DVD ‘Found Footage’ Horror movie quality."
"We
don’t have to do this," Robert said wearily.
12:5 pm
#TheSqureInShambles
Sean Don @DonSean
#TheSquaresInShamble is trending?
Nat
@Natnate
So
#TheSquaresInShambles
Eves
Saint Lauren @Yves_Aint
#thesquaresinshambles
my friend is on 12th Street, she said a car fell from the sky.
Ash
@ashsass
RT
@DonSean #TheSquaresInShamble is trending?< It’s getting demolished
Iron
Man @Iron_Aron
#thesquaresinshambles
2012 came early.
Mart
@Maar_Tin
#TheSquaresInShambles
looks like something out of a Michael Bay movie.
Martin
Lawry @Martinlaw
a
Summer Block Buster RT @Maar_Tin #TheSquaresInShambles looks like something out
of a Michael Bay movie.
Rocky
Baow Baow @RocTurnal
#TheSquaresInShambles
where are the POLICE? The ARMY? We need HELP downtown.
Ceddy
@PimpC_e
RT
@RocTurnal #TheSquaresInShambles where are the POLICE? The ARMY? We need HELP
downtown.
Jamie
Lee @Jam_I_E
RT
@RocTurnal #TheSquaresInShambles where are the POLICE? The ARMY? We need HELP
downtown.
The
Franchize @stfranchize
#THESQUARESINSHAMBLES
RT @DaltonWeb_Mayor it’s a beautiful day in our City, please go out and enjoy
Sgt
Sandy @SgtSandy
RT
@RocTurnal #TheSquaresInShambles where are the POLICE? The ARMY? We need HELP
downtown.
Josie
J @JoeZEE
RT
@stfranchize #THESQUARESINSHAMBLES RT @DaltonWeb_Mayor it’s a beautiful day in
our City, please go out and enjoy "I’m still alive world. There’s stuff on my phone, the world is definitely going to want to see. Not sure if you can hear it, you may be able to since i've gone deeper into The Square. Kinda sounds like rapid fire Thunder. It stopped for a minute but picked right back up. Getting closer to the heart of the commotion. Still going, cause I’m know you guys want to find out what’s going on as much as I do."
"Ahhhh.
Ahhhh."
"You
alright?"
"My
leg. My leg."
"Ok,
ok. Don’t worry, you’ll be alright."
"I
need to find her. Where is she? Natalie? Natalie?"
"Calm
down, we’ll find her, she could be deeper into the smoke. Get a little rest, I
got you.
We’ll
find her. People this is my new companion. Wait, what is? Shi....."
1:00 pm Channel 7 News Helicopter Steve, Robert, and Peter
"This
is Steve Reyes. Your guy high in the sky. Reporting from Downtown. Where the,
dammit Robert can you hold the camera steady?"
"What
do you expect? All this turbulence. The Square has turned into a Third World
Warzone. Hard to maintain a steady hand right now."
"Steve
should I moved around and get closer?" Peter asked.
"Yes."
"No,"
Robert vehemently protested.
"Robert
in order for use to get the news worthy, award winning shots. We need to fly
closer. Peter is more than capable of doing that."
"Hey
do you remember, remember two cars flying through the air? We need to keep our
distance."
"No
we need to get closer."
"This
is that important to you? Peter you’re really willing to put your life at risk,
very high risk? All for me and Steve to get a story? I’m sure you’ve flown in
some harsh conditions, but."
"The
story of our lifetime could be down there," Steve interrupted.
"So
could death."
"You’re
willing to give up being the cameraman who filmed a Historical World
event?"
"Think
about a mid size SUV smashing into the helicopter. Think about what we’re going
to find down there. The people suffering. People are caught in whatever the
situation is, how many dead could there be? Should we use them for our own
recognition?" Robert retorted.
"Our
job is to turn their deaths into stories. So they’ll be seen and remembered.
You’ll be recognized and glorified for you magnificent camera work. Money,
prizes, accolades, glory, it’s all waiting."
"What
else?" Robert asked.
"Hey
Steve, Robert another Helicopter arrived. It’s getting closer to the
action."
"What?
Jeez. It’s Mike and Sharon," Steve shouted. "Didn’t they get a new
pilot?"
"I’m
sure I can out fly him."
"We
don’t have to do this," Robert pleaded.
"Get
yourself together. This is ours, the story belongs to us. Our glory. Peter, I
trust you. Let’s go."
1:15 pm Jordan
Tolbert’s iPhone
"Jordan? Honey what’s all......Jordan can you hear me?"
"Mom.
I can sort of hear you. Mom can you hear me?"
"Yes.
Where are you? I talked to Jay and he gave me pieces of what’s going on. I
checked the news but they’re only giving so much information. Jordan, it’s so
loud, are you alright. Jordan? Jordan?"
"I’m
ok."
"Ok?
Jordan you can’t be. Things don’t sound ok. Jo, please where are you right now?
I’m worried."
"I’m
in the building. Everything is fine."
"No
it’s not. Unless you’re watching an action movie with surround sound at work,
you’re not. Plus your building is right next to The Square. Jo tell me this
instant."
"The
building was on lock down mom."
"You’re
safe?"
"Uh."
"Jo
are you safe?"
"Mom."
"Jo."
"Mom,
they’re in the building."
"I
thought you said the building was on lock down."
"The
sixth floor is being destroyed."
"Destroyed?"
"The
building can’t take much more of this."
"Jo?
Why are you still in the building?"
"No
where to go.
"Where
are you?"
"Bathroom."
"Get
out now."
"Part
of the hallway outside collapse. Chelsea, Nick, and Morgan went....I heard them
scream when it did. Chelsea begged for me to come help, I was so scared. My
body locked up. Something shook the whole building and I heard her scream
again."
"Jordan,
please you have to get out of the bathroom."
"Blocked,
it’s blocked. I can’t move, my body won’t let me."
"Jordan
please. Please stop crying, it’s alright. Please Jo, you gotta find a way
out."
"Mom."
"Jordan."
"The
floor."
"Jordan.
Jo. Answer me."
"Mom."
"Jordan
stay on the phone. Please, Jo please stay."
"Mom."
"Jo."
5:00 pm Channel
7 News Neil Brockman
"Neil Brockman is at The Square."
"I’m only blocks away from where earlier today a scene no one could imagine unfolded." The reporter was somber, but he maintained his informative New Anchor tone as well.
"Not sure what happened to tell you the truth."
Martin
works across the street in Citri Bank. He had returned from lunch when the
commotion started.
"Soon
as I walked in.......BOOM. Windows and glass doors exploded, the entire
bank shook. My first thought was an elaborate bank robbery."
"But
it wasn’t?" "Not at all. Smoke everywhere. The entrance had been enveloped by smoke. You couldn’t see outside. Our four guards were expecting twenty people with high tech weaponry to come barging in. We hit the alarms, tried to call the police, but we weren’t able to get through. The guards sat at the entrance for two minutes. After no one came in, one of them went outside. Almost as soon as he went, another Boom, might’ve been more powerful than the first. Threw the guard back."
"The sound was that powerful?"
"Wasn’t just a sound, it was a shockwave. Sent him flying over there, amazed he survived such a knock."
Melinda
was out walking her German Sheppard when things started
"Yeah,
I was walking Bolder down Sixteenth Street, we’d gone to the park. It’s such
nice day outside. We were passing Charles Coffee when it happened."
"What
exactly happened?" "Glass exploded all around us. Car windows, the coffee shops. The first blast was terrifying, powerful. If I hadn’t been able to brace myself and grab a pole, we would’ve been thrown down the street."
"Were you hit by any glass?"
"The force pushed most of the glass inward. A few people in the street got pelted."
Melinda
says she, like a few others got curious and decided to get a better view. She decided
to move to this small park we’re currently standing in.
"Gives you a great view of The Square. Couldn’t see anything. A massive dust cloud covered the entire Square. People were gathering, I guess to get a sense of what going on, or because they were attracted by the noise. Over here about four people had their cell phones out recording. That dent in the ground, car landed there."
"A Car?"
"Yup, one of the guys didn’t move in time. Crushed him. He might not have even seen it, he was too busy with his phone."
"Was anyone else hurt?"
"Yes, a few other people. But seeing a man smashed into the ground will make people realize they’re not safe. The car had to have been thrown from one thousand feet away. Look at The Square. The destruction."
"Did you see anything? Anything that would help us get an idea of what went on?"
"Whatever was happening in the dust cloud, I have no idea. Heard loud noises but saw nothing. I feel sorry for the people who may have been in The Square."
No one is allowed in The Square. It’s been blocked off, half of downtown was shut down. Police and City Officials are trying to put things together. I’ve talked to a few officers who said they’re getting different accounts. No telling how long it will take to sort it out. Much of the information they receive isn’t going to be made accessible to the general public. Therefore it will be a while before we have an accurate number of how many people may have died. Government and City Officials are working hard, please bear with them. Our city couldn’t have expected to receive such a blow. A blow we couldn’t have been prepared for. If you’re looking for someone it’s going to take few hours possibly days to contact the Police. First try any co worker, friends, or other family members.
"Thank you for keeping us up to date Neil. Any word on how long The Square will be closed?"
"No. Nobodies sure Rosanne. They have to assess the amount of damage done, which will take days. The Square was the epicenter, so it’s going to take longer. Downtown saw its fair share of damage as well."
"Is it true some Office Buildings got destroyed?"
"Yes. The Mitchell Anderson Tower took the most visible damage. The SunTrust, AT&T and Lowes buildings also took serve damage. You can see some of the damaged done to the buildings behind me."
"And still no official word on what may have taken place?"
"Reports, stories, and witness accounts are coming in at a high rate. Police are trying to separate the hearsay from facts. Hopefully we get full report in few days. A few deaths outside of The Square have been confirmed, and more could be."
"Quite sad, tragic and sad events have unfolded today."
"Very sad and tragic Rosanne. My prayers go out to all the people and families who will be affected. I will remain downtown to report any news s it comes."
"Thank you Neil. Our prayers go out to the entire City. As Neil was doing his report, some disheartening news came in. About two hours ago our News Seven Chopper, lost control and crashed. Steve Reyes, Robert Jorgon and Pilot Peter Burton were on board. Steve Reyes died on the scene, Peter died on route, and Robert was in critical condition for an hour before he passed. Channel Seven send their condolences to the families."
Jennifer
S @JennS
@markE27
are you alright?
Dora
Nora @doraTHEEx
Watching
the news, praying. The Great John Nash @JohnnyGT
Prayers. It’s so important right now. For everyone.
Sara
@SaraEra
So
sad. Can’t stop crying. I need strength.
Jennifer
S. @JennS
@SaraEra
Sara everything is going to be alright. Call me if you need to. Cam @Cam_IT
Can’t believe this happened today. Feels like nightmare and I can’t wake up.
Paulie D. @PaulieSure
Longest. Day. Ever. Anybody wanna meet up tonight for drinks? Dog Days Bar in The Square?
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