Fox News Reporter Stuns With Jaw-Dropping On-Air 9/11 Confession
Fox News Veteran Eric Shawn Reveals Cancer Diagnosis Tied to 9/11 Ground Zero Exposure
Fox News correspondent Eric Shawn stunned viewers on Thursday by disclosing during a live broadcast that he has been diagnosed with cancer linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The revelation came during a segment of “Fox and Friends” in which the anchors reflected on the health challenges faced by first responders and others who were present in lower Manhattan when the Twin Towers collapsed.
While discussing those long-term consequences, Shawn shared that he himself is among the tens of thousands of Americans whose health has been irreparably impacted.
The attacks carried out by al-Qaeda on Sept. 11 claimed 2,977 lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard United Flight 93.
In the aftermath, thick clouds of dust and debris enveloped Lower Manhattan, exposing firefighters, police officers, cleanup workers, journalists and civilians to dangerous carcinogens.
According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, at least 44,000 people have since been diagnosed with cancers connected to that exposure.
Shawn, who was on the ground reporting in the days after the attacks, explained that he initially suffered from chronic bronchitis but only this year learned of his cancer diagnosis.
“Yeah, bronchitis, yeah, also cancer, from the explosion, that was diagnosed this year,” he said on air, according to The Daily Caller. “Because of the time goes by, the decades continue, that’s when it starts to—you start to see it. I remember thinking, maybe 20, 30 years later, I’ll get something.”
His admission followed remarks from co-host Brian Kilmeade, who had recounted the struggles of a firefighter friend who responded at Ground Zero and has dealt with permanent lung damage.
Turning to Shawn, Kilmeade asked if he too had faced health challenges, prompting the disclosure that surprised both the audience and Shawn’s colleagues on set.
“Well, here it is, 24 years, but, you know, I think of everyone who suffered far greater than I, and those in our country who have sacrificed, and the ultimate sacrifice, those who served in our armed forces, who went to Afghanistan, as well as everyone here. We’re all in this together,” Shawn said, taking a moment to honor others affected by 9/11.
His words left the panel momentarily silent before co-host Ainsley Earhardt expressed her sympathy.
“I am so sorry.” Kilmeade quickly added, “Yeah, I didn’t know that, Eric.” Lawrence Jones echoed the sentiment, remarking, “This is news to us,” underscoring the shock of the revelation.
Health experts have long warned that illnesses tied to 9/11 exposure often appear decades later, with many cancers and respiratory diseases surfacing only in recent years.
Programs such as the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund were established to address these ongoing needs, yet thousands of survivors continue to live with uncertainty about their long-term health.
Shawn’s announcement serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of the attacks nearly a quarter century later.
While his personal battle now continues, he emphasized unity and remembrance, framing his diagnosis not only as a personal challenge but also as part of the broader national story of resilience and sacrifice following America’s darkest day.
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