On September 11, 2001, a coordinated terrorist attack was carried out by al Qaeda against the United States, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths and significant destruction. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked by terrorists:
- At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, instantly killing all on board and many inside the building
- At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, killing all aboard and many inside the tower
- At 9:37 AM, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing 125 people in the building and all passengers on the plane
- United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked and believed to be headed for a target in Washington, D.C. (likely the White House or Capitol), crashed into a field in Pennsylvania at 10:03 AM after passengers attempted to retake control from the hijackers
The two World Trade Center towers collapsed within hours after being hit, with the South Tower falling at 9:59 AM and the North Tower at 10:28 AM. A third building, World Trade Center Building 7, also collapsed later that day
. The attacks resulted in 2,977 victims killed, including civilians, firefighters, police officers, and military personnel, plus the 19 hijackers. Thousands more were injured, and many responders and survivors have suffered long-term health effects from exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero
. In response, the U.S. launched the War on Terror, beginning with military action in Afghanistan against al Qaeda, and implemented sweeping changes in national security and air travel
. The events of 9/11 profoundly changed the United States and the world, marking the deadliest terrorist attack in history and reshaping global politics and security
