September 11 Attacks: What Happened on 9/11?

September 11 Attacks

The September 11 attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. These attacks are considered one of the most significant and traumatic events in recent history, profoundly impacting both the United States and the world.

The Targets and Sequence of Events

On September 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by 19 terrorists associated with al-Qaeda. These planes were then used as missiles to target key landmarks in the United States.

1. World Trade Center:
   • American Airlines Flight 11: Crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM Eastern Time.
     
   • United Airlines Flight 175: Crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 AM.
     
   • Both towers were set ablaze and collapsed within two hours, resulting in massive casualties and destruction.
     
2. Pentagon:
   • American Airlines Flight 77: Struck the Pentagon at 9:37 AM, causing significant damage to the western side of the building.
     
3. Flight 93:
   • United Airlines Flight 93: Crashed into a field in Pennsylvania at 10:03 AM after passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers. It is believed the hijackers intended to target either the White House or the U.S. Capitol.

Casualties and Impact

The 9/11 attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 victims, excluding the 19 hijackers. The breakdown of casualties is as follows:

• Passengers and Crew: All 246 individuals on the four planes were killed.
  
  
• World Trade Center: 2,606 people died in the Twin Towers and surrounding area.
  
  
• Pentagon: 125 military and civilian personnel were killed.
  
• First Responders: 441 emergency workers, including firefighters and police officers, lost their lives.

The victims ranged in age from two-year-old Christine Lee Hanson to 82-year-old Robert Norton. Citizens from 77 different countries were among those who perished.

Immediate and Long-term Responses

In response to the attacks, the United States took several immediate and long-term actions:

• Military Action: President George W. Bush launched an invasion of Afghanistan less than a month after the attacks, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban. This led to a nearly 20-year military presence in Afghanistan.
  
• Security Enhancements: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established to improve airport and flight security. Security measures were also heightened globally.
  
• Legislative Changes: The USA PATRIOT Act was enacted to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools.

Legacy and Memorials

The aftermath of 9/11 saw significant efforts to honor the victims and rebuild:

• Ground Zero: The cleanup of the World Trade Center site took over eight months. A memorial and museum now stand at the site, commemorating the lives lost.
  
• One World Trade Center: The new centerpiece of the World Trade Center complex, also known as the Freedom Tower, stands at 1,776 feet, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
  
• Pentagon: Reconstruction of the Pentagon was completed in less than a year, with staff returning by August 2002.

The legacy of 9/11 continues to shape global security policies and the fight against terrorism.

Quick Details

The 9/11 attacks remain a pivotal moment in modern history, symbolizing both the tragic loss and the enduring resilience of humanity.