Path to Paradise: The Untold Story of the World Trade Center Bombing

The movie begins with Agent John Anticev discussing terrorist training tapes, setting the stage for the unfolding plot. A New Jersey cop pulls over a car, interrogates El Sayyid Nosair, and releases him after Nosair claims he is a car dealer. The film introduces other plotters gathered in the car, including Rodney Hampton-El, Ibrahim El-Gabrowy, Mohammed Salameh, and Mahmud Abouhalima.

Emad Salem approaches the FBI as an informant, providing them with photos of the suspects and requesting a weekly salary of $500. Despite initial reluctance, the FBI begins to engage with Salem’s intelligence efforts, signifying the beginning of formal investigation into the plot.

On September 1st, 1992, Ramzi Yousef and Ahmad Ajaj arrive in the United States. Yousef, seeking political asylum and lacking a visa, has multiple IDs, raising suspicion among inspectors. Ajaj is found with diagrams of a bomb during interrogation, revealing their intent and future plans.

Yousef purchases chemicals needed for the bomb, and Nidal Ayyad, a chemical engineer, assists in ordering remaining ingredients. Salameh and Yousef transport these chemicals, but they are involved in a car accident, leading to Ramzi Yousef being hospitalized.

On February 25th, 1993, Salameh and Yousef buy a Ryder van to transport the chemicals. The chemicals are delivered and assembled into a bomb inside the van at a storage facility despite security concerns. That night, the bomb is placed in the van ready for explosion.

Yousef drives the van into the basement of the World Trade Center, sets the fuse, and runs away. The bomb detonates, causing the death of two people and injuring a hundred others, but the towers remain standing. The failed attack marks a pivotal moment for the investigation effort.

In the aftermath, the FBI intensifies efforts to identify the perpetrators. Salameh attempts to reimburse himself by claiming the Ryder van was stolen, but the transaction is suspicious. Federal agents monitor his actions, leading to his eventual arrest as he leaves the store.

In May 1993, Salem records a tape using a briefcase as a recorder, revealing details about the conspiracy. Rodney Hampton-El mentions targeting specific places using code names, and Salem discusses plans for future attacks including blowing up the Holland Tunnel.

More terrorists are arrested as the FBI gathers evidence against the conspirators. Salem records conversations with Hampton-El about attack plans. The authorities piece together the evidence needed to indict and arrest the suspects for their crimes.

In November 1995, the terrorists face trial, with each receiving various life sentences. Salem is rewarded with money and placed in a witness protection program, while Yousef is arrested, extradited, and vows to continue his vendetta.