Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden’ highlights the dedication and contributions of those who played a crucial role in the mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden. In the docuseries, CIA counterterrorism analyst Cindy Storer discussed her involvement in the operation. She explained how years of intelligence work and analysis ultimately led to the key breakthrough in tracking bin Laden’s location. Storer also reflected on the immense pressure and challenges faced by the team throughout the pursuit. Her insights shed light on the meticulous planning behind the mission and the emotional toll it took on those involved.
Cindy Storer Wrote a Warning Letter to POTUS About Al-Qaeda Years Before 9/11
Cynthia “Cindy” Storer began her career as a CIA analyst in 1986, driven by a deep sense of duty that stemmed from her military family background. Having grown up hearing romantic stories of how her parents fell in love under the moonlit skies of Thailand, she aspired to lead a similarly meaningful and fulfilling life. After graduating from the College of William & Mary in 1986 with a degree in history and politics, she found her calling in intelligence work. She became a key member of The Sisterhood, an informal group of female CIA analysts who were among the first to recognize and warn about the growing threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the 1990s.
Cindy explained that a crucial part of her job was ensuring that policymakers were aware of the threats posed by terrorist groups. She was among the first to issue a formal warning to the President of the United States about Osama bin Laden’s rising influence after the attack in Yemen in 1992. Recalling the events of 9/11, she shared how she had carpooled with her colleague, Gina Bennett, to the CIA headquarters on what seemed like an ordinary, bright morning. As they settled into their cubicles, the news of the first plane crash broke, and everyone rushed to watch the live coverage. She vividly remembers the shock and horror of witnessing the second plane hit in real time and realized that the world had changed forever at that moment.
Cindy shared that she had always carried a sense of regret, as it was her responsibility to foresee and warn about potential attacks. As one of the first responders in the intelligence community, she quickly shifted into action and worked alongside other analysts to identify and prevent any further attacks that might follow. She also reflected on the political landscape that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11, particularly the policies surrounding Guantanamo Bay. Cindy expressed skepticism about the shifts in public perception and the long-term psychological impact of the attack. She expressed her belief that it would take a lot of time for those changes to be undone.
Cindy Storer Explored Her Passions After Parting Ways With the CIA
Cindy Storer left the CIA in 2007, having already begun distancing herself a few years prior. In 2005, she joined the Center for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland, where she began teaching. In an interview, she revealed that the work environment had become uncomfortable for her. She explained that in the aftermath of 9/11, much of the blame was unfairly placed on analysts, who were accused of missing critical warning signs. Cindy refuted this and alleged that experienced professionals like herself were gradually being sidelined in favor of a younger generation. She described the atmosphere as having turned “poisonous” and said that she knew it was time for her to move on.
In 2007, Cindy decided to move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to be closer to her parents, who had just retired. Despite having no stable income or job at the time, she knew she needed peace and a fresh start. Before long, she secured a position at Pherson Associates as a Vice President and relocated to Reston, Virginia. Around the same time, she discovered her passion for teaching and joined Coastal Carolina University, where she taught courses on Terrorism and Political Violence, Intelligence Analysis, and National Security. This new chapter felt like the right path for her, and she embraced the change, believing it was what she needed at the time.
Cindy Storer is a Well-Regarded Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University
A 1992 master’s graduate in International Relations from The Catholic University of America, Cindy Storer has always had a deep passion for academics. In November 2013, she joined the International Spy Museum as a freelance consultant, where she contributed to the concept and content development of two major interactive exhibits. In January 2014, she was offered a position at Sister007, an initiative dedicated to empowering individuals—especially women—to pursue careers in intelligence and security services. She gladly accepted, seeing it as a meaningful way to inspire and mentor the next generation in these critical fields.
Cindy has truly found her calling at Johns Hopkins University, where she has been a lecturer since May 2014. She teaches in the MS in Intelligence Analysis program and also serves as an instructor at CT/CT Training Partners. As a writer and speaker, she has collaborated on various creative projects to bring her narrative to the forefront. She worked as a consultant and cast member for ‘Hunted’ and has appeared in several documentaries focusing on 9/11, Al-Qaeda, and the role of Osama bin Laden. Now residing in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, Cindy enjoys a quiet and comfortable life. She has always kept her family life private and prefers to maintain a low profile.
Read More: Jennifer Matthews: How Did the Former CIA Analyst Die?
