"9/11" - by Samuel Adisa

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, were a series of coordinated attacks carried out by the Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda on U.S. soil. Below is a comprehensive account of the events, based on well-documented sources such as the 9/11 Commission Report, government records, and contemporary analyses. Overview On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers, affiliated with al-Qaeda, seized control of four commercial airliners. They used these planes as weapons to strike key targets in the United States, resulting in the deaths of 2,977 people (excluding the hijackers), injuries to thousands more, and significant long-term impacts on global politics, security, and U.S. foreign policy. The attacks targeted the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and an intended target in Washington, D.C., likely the U.S. Capitol or White House, which was thwarted when passengers and crew resisted, causing the plane to crash in Pennsylvania.  Timeline of Events (All Times in EDT, September 11, 2001) Pre-Attack Context Planning: The attacks were orchestrated by al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed as a key planner. The plot was developed over years, involving training hijackers in Afghanistan and the U.S., exploiting vulnerabilities in aviation security, and selecting symbolic targets. Hijackers: The 19 hijackers were primarily from Saudi Arabia, with others from Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. They were organized into four teams, each led by a pilot-trained hijacker (e.g., Mohamed Atta for American Airlines Flight 11).  Morning of September 11 7:59 AM: American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 with 92 people on board (including 5 hijackers), departs Boston’s Logan International Airport for Los Angeles. 8:14 AM: United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767 with 65 people on board (including 5 hijackers), departs from Logan International Airport for Los Angeles. 8:20 AM: American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757 with 64 people on board (including 5 hijackers), departs Washington Dulles International Airport for Los Angeles. 8:42 AM: United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 with 44 people on board (including 4 hijackers), departs Newark International Airport for San Francisco. 8:14–8:20 AM: Hijackers on Flight 11 take control, likely using knives and mace, killing or incapacitating crew and passengers. The plane deviates from its flight path. 8:25 AM: Air traffic controllers receive a transmission from Flight 11, believed to be from hijacker Mohamed Atta, saying, “We have some planes. Just stay quiet, and you’ll be OK.” 8:37 AM: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alerts the military’s Northeast Air Defense Sector (NORAD) about the suspected hijacking of Flight 11. 8:46 AM: Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower (World Trade Center 1) between floors 93 and 99 at approximately 466 mph. The impact kills hundreds instantly and traps many above the impact zone. Emergency services in New York City are mobilized, initially unaware it’s a terrorist attack. 8:50–9:00 AM: Media outlets begin reporting the crash. President George W. Bush, at an education event in Sarasota, Florida, is informed of the incident and initially told it may be an accident. 9:03 AM: Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (World Trade Center 2) between floors 77 and 85 at approximately 590 mph. The crash is broadcast live on television, confirming to the public and officials that this is a coordinated attack. Hundreds more are killed, and evacuations intensify. 9:05 AM: President Bush is informed of the second plane hitting the South Tower while still at the school. He later addresses the nation briefly before departing for Air Force One. 9:28 AM: Hijackers take control of Flight 93. Passengers and crew begin making phone calls, learning of the World Trade Center attacks via airphones and cell phones. 9:37 AM: Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, striking the western side at approximately 530 mph. The impact kills 125 people on the ground and all 64 on board, causing a partial collapse of the building. 9:42 AM: The FAA grounds all civilian flights in U.S. airspace, an unprecedented decision. Air traffic controllers work to land thousands of planes safely. 9:45–10:00 AM: Evacuations continue at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and key government buildings in Washington, D.C. The White House and U.S. Capitol are evacuated. 9:57 AM: Passengers and crew on Flight 93, aware of the other attacks, attempt to retake the plane. The hijackers, realizing they are losing control, decide to crash the plane. 10:03 AM: Flight 93 crashes into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at approximately 563 mph, killing all on board. The intended target, likely the U.S. Capitol or White House, is spared due to the passengers’ and crew’s actions. 10:28 AM: The North Tower collapses after burning for 102 minutes, killing hundreds of occupants and first responders. The collapse sends a massive cloud of dust and debris through Lower Manhattan. 9:59 AM: The South Tower collapses after burning for 56 minutes, killing many more, including those in and around the building. The collapses result from structural failure caused by fire and impact damage.  Immediate Aftermath 10:30 AM–Afternoon: Rescue efforts begin at the World Trade Center site (later called Ground Zero), the Pentagon, and Shanksville. Thousands are injured, and many first responders risk their lives in the unstable rubble. Evening: President Bush addresses the nation from the White House, declaring, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.” He vows to pursue those responsible.  Casualties: World Trade Center: 2,606 deaths (including occupants, first responders, and those on the planes). Pentagon: 125 deaths on the ground, 64 on Flight 77. Flight 93: 44 deaths. Total: 2,977 victims, plus 19 hijackers. Thousands more were injured, and many later developed health issues from toxic exposure at Ground Zero.   Damage: Both World Trade Center towers (1 and 2 WTC) were destroyed, along with significant damage to surrounding buildings, including 7 WTC, which collapsed later that day at 5:20 PM. The Pentagon sustained major damage to its western side. Economic impact was estimated in the hundreds of billions, with disruptions to global markets.  Key Details and Context Targets: The World Trade Center symbolized U.S. economic power. The Pentagon represented U.S. military power. The intended target of Flight 93 (likely the Capitol or White House) symbolized U.S. political power.   Method: The hijackers exploited lax aviation security, carrying box cutters and knives through checkpoints. They used the planes’ fuel loads to create massive explosions and fires. Response: Emergency Response: New York City’s FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority Police Department led rescue efforts, losing 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel. Military: NORAD scrambled fighter jets, but the attacks unfolded too quickly for effective interception. Government: The Bush administration established the Department of Homeland Security and passed the Patriot Act to enhance national security.  Global Impact: The U.S. launched the “War on Terror,” invading Afghanistan in October 2001 to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. The Iraq War (2003) was later justified partly on fears of terrorism, though connections to 9/11 were controversial. Aviation security worldwide was overhauled, with measures like the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stricter screening protocols.  Long-Term ConsequencesHealth: Thousands of first responders and survivors developed illnesses like cancer and respiratory diseases due to exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero. Memorials: The National September 11 Memorial Museum was established in New York City. The Pentagon Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial were also created. Cultural Impact: 9/11 reshaped U.S. foreign policy, domestic surveillance, and public attitudes toward security and civil liberties. It remains a defining moment in modern history. Al-Qaeda: Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan on May 2, 2011. Other al-Qaeda leaders, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, were captured or killed. Additional Notes Official Designation: In the U.S., 9/11 is officially commemorated as Patriot Day or National Day of Service and Remembrance, observed annually on September 11.  Major Conspiracy Theories Controlled Demolition of the World Trade Center: Claim: The Twin Towers and Building 7 (WTC 7) were brought down by pre-planted explosives or thermite, not by the plane impacts and fires. Proponents cite the rapid, symmetrical collapse resembling controlled demolitions and alleged "squibs" (bursts of debris) seen in videos. Inside Job by the U.S. Government: Claim: The U.S. government or elements within it (e.g., CIA, military) orchestrated or allowed the attacks to justify wars in Afghanistan and Iraq or to expand domestic surveillance (e.g., the Patriot Act). Foreknowledge and Stock Market Anomalies: Claim: Certain individuals or groups had prior knowledge of the attacks, evidenced by unusual stock market trades (e.g., “put options” betting against airlines) and alleged Israeli involvement (e.g., claims about “dancing Israelis” celebrating the attacks). Debunking and Official Findings The 9/11 Commission Report (2004) and NIST reports (2005, 2008) provide detailed accounts of the attacks, supported by physical evidence, survivor testimonies, flight data, and intercepted communications. Independent investigations by engineers, scientists, and media (e.g., Popular Mechanics’ 2005 debunking article) found no credible evidence for controlled demolitions or government involvement.Al-Qaeda’s leadership,including Osama bin Laden, repeatedly claimed responsibility in videos

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