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Daniel Lewin was an American-Israeli mathematician and entrepreneur who co-founded internet company Akamai Technologies. He was the first person murdered in the September 11 attacks. A passenger on American Airlines Flight 11, it is believed that Lewin was likely stabbed by one of the hijackers of that flight while struggling with one of the terrorists, making him the first person murdered during the course of the attacks.
A 2001 FAA memo suggests he may have been shot by Satam al-Suqami after attempting to foil the hijacking. According to the FAA, Lewin was seated in business class in seat 9B, close to hijackers Mohamed Atta, Abdulaziz al-Omari and al Suqami (who was possibly seated behind him). It was first reported that he had been shot by al Suqami, although this assertion was later changed to a stabbing. According to the 9/11 Commission, Lewin was stabbed by one of the hijackers, probably Satam al Suqami, who was seated directly behind him. The commission speculates that this may have occurred during an attempt by Lewin to confront one of the hijackers in front of him, not realizing that al Suqami was sitting just behind him. Lewin was identified as the first victim of the September 11 attacks.