Father Rutler gave a general absolution to a large group of firefighters before they entered the WTC (and subsequently died in the collapse of the tower).
I think it's a safe bet that there are those who were saved from Hell that morning for no other reason than because they were offered the opportunity to take a knee in penance and receive that absolution.
Yes
Are there any pictures of this event (or the participants)?
This would be a worthy subject for a painting of the event (if it hasn’t already been memorialized).