2001: The World Trade Center Attacks, New York City

In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the ICMP Chairman at that time, Jim Kimsey, and ICMP Commissioner, Her Majesty Queen Noor, met with the Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, to offer help. ICMP subsequently contributed to discussions at the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner regarding specialized database software for DNA matching in this complex event.

2005: Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, approximately 90 kilometers south of New Orleans. The storm caused severe damage across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. An estimated 1,833 people were killed.

Under an agreement with the State of Louisiana and the Department of Health and Hospitals, ICMP obtained DNA profiles from the bone samples of 250 victims, which were then sent to competent laboratories in the state for matching with family members’ DNA.

The number of persons still missing as a result of the hurricane is quoted as 705. However, questions remain, including the fate and whereabouts of 328 prison inmates, according to Human Rights Watch.