From classroom to battlefield to Congress: 9/11 changed Eli Crane’s path

Published September 11, 2026 2:00pm ET




Twenty-five years ago, the 9/11 terrorist attacks changed the trajectory of the life of an Arizona college student.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) is a three-term congressman who chose, in the first few days after the horrific attack, to leave the classroom and travel thousands of miles away to take the fight to al Qaeda.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr