 Thorne started at the station during the week of September 11, 2001, and his first assignment found him reporting on the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (of which the main north and south towers of the complex imploded due to fires caused by two commercial airplanes that were intentionally crashed into both buildings).He was promoted to weekend anchor in April 2002, and continued to complement his anchor responsibilities as a reporter.Thorne also served as a correspondent and substitute anchor for Jim Watkins on the station's weeknight newscasts.