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Retired agent Kenneth Williams served in the FBI for nearly 30 years. He spent most of his career investigating foreign and domestic terrorism matters and took part in many high-profile terrorism investigations, including the bombing investigation of the A.P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In this episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, Ken Williams reviews the events that led him to write what is now known as the “Phoenix Memo,” his untimely reassignment to work on the Phoenix Mountain Arsonist case, and the aftermath of 9/11.
Ken authored the Phoenix Memo prior to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. The communication issued a warning to the intelligence community that Al-Qaeda members were training in the civil aviation community in the United States.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, his memo became public and received intensive attention from national news media.
Ken testified before the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate regarding terrorism matters and cooperated with the 9/11 Commission.
Ken has extensive experience investigating sensitive international terrorism matters and has traveled for the Bureau to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Ken served on the FBI Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team as an Assistant Team Leader, sniper and assaulter. During his FBI career, Ken has received prestigious commendations such as the Central Intelligence Agency’s Exceptional Human Intelligence Collector award. Ken and has appeared on local television news and has made many public appearances regarding terrorism matters.
Currently, Ken works for Tolhurst International, LLC, a licensed Private Investigations firm that also provides security consultants, customizable training courses, and guest speaker services.
Special Agent (Retired)
Kenneth Williams
1990 – 2017
“They knew people in common with the two hijackers. Had we been surveilling them, it would have been very likely, probable that we would have been able to identify those guys.” — Retired Agent Ken Williams
The following are news articles and clips regarding Ken Williams’s investigation of the Phoenix Mountain arson case and the aftermath of him being publically identified as the author of the Phoenix Memo:
AZ Central – 9/26/2019: Ex-FBI agent says Phoenix serial arsonist ‘took our eye off the ball before 9/11’
CBS News (VIDEO): CBS – The Phoenix Memo
Office of the Inspector General – Special Report – November 2004 (Released Publicly June 2005): A Review of the FBI’s Handling of Intelligence Information Prior to the September 11 Attacks
Chicago Tribune – 9/22/2002: Agent’s 911-advisory contradicts FBI statements
New York Times – 6/19/2002: TRACES OF TERROR: THE F.B.I.; For Agent in Phoenix, the Cause of Many Frustrations Extended to His Own Office
The Phoenix Memo
Fascinating episode. I thought that I know a lot about Islamic Terrorism, 9/11, and Alquaeda from my own reading and study pre and post 9/11. I learned several things that I had no idea about. Great show. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Frank!
Awesome episode!!
Thank you!
Wow super interesting. Thank you for this episode and your work.