Former FBI Agent Who Responded to Pentagon Attacks Battles Cancer, Advocates for 9/11 First Responders

Retired FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Miller has dedicated his life to public service, beginning with the Air Force, followed by a tenure as a Pittsburgh police officer, and eventually joining the FBI. During his career, he played a key role in investigating terrorist threats, including the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people, and the 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole.

Twenty-five years ago, Miller was among the first responders called to the Pentagon after American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists. Assigned to the bureau’s evidence response team, he spent weeks at the site recovering evidence from the burned wreckage, working both command post shifts during the day and evidence response shifts at night.

“The significance hit me when I watched the TV and the billowing smoke,” Miller told ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas. “When the Pentagon was hit shortly thereafter, that’s when it became absolutely real.”

Today, Miller faces the long-term health consequences of that exposure. He and countless colleagues were subjected to toxic debris without adequate personal protective equipment. According to the FBI, more than 30 personnel have died from cancer or other illnesses linked to 9/11 site exposures. Miller personally knows at least a dozen of these fallen agents, including Bob Roth, an early responder who died from multiple myeloma in 2008.

In 2024, Miller was diagnosed with prostate cancer and achieved full remission. However, earlier this year, severe back pain led to the discovery that tumors were pressing on his spine. Miller revealed that he now battles kidney cancer, lung cancer, lymph node cancer, spine cancer, and brain cancer.

“We’re praying every day — our faith got stronger because we have to,” Miller said. His wife, Amy, noted his resilience and positive attitude throughout his journey.

Despite his diagnosis, Miller remains focused on advocacy. He is urging the modernization of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), particularly its cancer screening policies established in 2014. Miller argues that advancements in detection technology over the last 12 years should be made available to the 9/11 responder community.

“I would have caught this… close to two years ago,” Miller said. “It would have given me a leg up on this fight.”

FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia has met with Miller and acknowledged the need for improved detection methods and care. “I want to champion for them… to give those folks the support, the care, and the fight that they need,” Raia said.

Reflecting on his service, Miller said he would respond to the Pentagon again, expressing confidence that every agent and support professional he served with would do the same.