911 Incident Year

9/11: A Chronological Timeline of the Attacks

The Events Leading Up to and Following the Tragedy

Prelude to the Attacks

On September 11, 2001, a clear and sunny late summer day, the world was forever changed by the coordinated suicide attacks carried out by al-Qaeda operatives. The terrorists successfully hijacked three passenger planes and used them as weapons against the United States of America. These attacks, collectively known as 9/11, were the deadliest terrorist acts in history, claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent victims.

The Attacks

On that fateful Tuesday morning, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists took control of four commercial airliners. Two of the planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were flown directly into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was intended to hit the United States Capitol Building or the White House, but it crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after heroic efforts by the passengers and crew to regain control.

Aftermath and Response

The immediate aftermath of the attacks was one of chaos and disbelief. The collapse of the World Trade Center towers sent clouds of smoke and debris billowing through the streets of Manhattan, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The Pentagon was also heavily damaged, and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania left a gaping hole in the ground and a profound sense of loss.

In the days and weeks following the attacks, the United States government and its allies launched a global campaign against terrorism. The United States invaded Afghanistan, where al-Qaeda had training camps, and launched a global effort to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent future attacks.

Legacy and Remembrance

The September 11 attacks left an enduring legacy of pain, loss, and resilience. The attacks forever changed the way the world viewed terrorism and security. They also led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the implementation of new airport security measures.

Today, the 9/11 attacks are remembered with solemn memorials and annual observances. The World Trade Center site has been rebuilt with a new memorial and museum, and the Pentagon has been repaired. The crash site of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania has also been transformed into a memorial park.

The September 11 attacks were a horrific tragedy that had a profound impact on the United States and the world. However, they also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The memorials and observances that honor the victims and survivors of 9/11 ensure that their legacy will never be forgotten.