Table of Contents
Introduction
On September 11, 2001, the United States of America witnessed one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in its history. This attack, which involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes by members of the extremist group, Al-Qaeda, resulted in the death of thousands of people. The first two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, causing the towers to collapse. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., while the fourth plane, which was intended for a target in Washington, D.C., crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers courageously fought back against the hijackers. This article aims to explore the events surrounding the World Trade Center bombing, including what happened, how it ended, and its impact on the United States.
Background
The World Trade Center was designed in the early 1960s and was officially opened to the public on April 4, 1973. Located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the Twin Towers were a symbol of America’s economic dominance and the epitome of modern architecture. At the time of its construction, the World Trade Center was the tallest building in the world, standing at 1,368 feet (417 meters) tall.
The World Trade Center was home to various businesses and government agencies, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. It was a hub of activity for business, tourism, and transportation, with an estimated 50,000 people working in the buildings and thousands more visiting the complex daily.
The Attack
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers, members of the Islamic extremist group, Al-Qaeda, commandeered four commercial airplanes. The planes were American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, which were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, respectively. At 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time, Flight 11 struck the North Tower between the 93rd and 99th floors, while Flight 175 impacted the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. between the 77th and 85th floors.
The impact of the planes caused massive damage to both towers, cutting through the steel frame and igniting fires that began to spread throughout the buildings. The damage caused by the planes compromised the structural integrity of the towers, causing them to collapse. The North Tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m., while the South Tower collapsed just 29 minutes later at 9:59 a.m.
In addition to the attacks on the Twin Towers, another plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., causing significant damage to a section of the building and killing 125 people inside. The fourth and final plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was initially intended to target a location in Washington, D.C. However, the passengers fought back against the hijackers, causing the plane to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all 44 people on board.
The Attack’s Aftermath
The attack on the World Trade Center had a profound impact on the United States and the world as a whole. The death toll from the attack was 2,606 people in the Twin Towers, 125 people in the Pentagon, and 246 people on the planes, as well as the 19 hijackers. The attack was the deadliest terrorist attack in world history and the most significant act of terrorism on US soil.
In the immediate aftermath, there was an outpouring of grief and support for the people in New York City and their families. Cleanup efforts at Ground Zero took months, and the site was transformed into a memorial and a place for reflection.
The attack also led to significant changes in US policy, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the passage of the USA PATRIOT Act, which gave law enforcement agencies new powers to investigate and combat terrorism.
The events of September 11th also led to a shift in international affairs, with the US leading a global campaign against terrorism that included military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The war on terror has continued to this day, with ongoing conflicts in various regions around the world.
The attack on the World Trade Center will always be remembered as a significant moment in world history. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of terrorism but also highlights the resilience and determination of those affected to rebuild and move forward.
The impact of 9/11 can still be felt today, with increased security measures at airports and other public places. The attack also prompted a new era of political and social polarization in America as debates about national security, civil liberties, and the use of military force continue to rage.
Despite this, 9/11 also brought about moments of unity and compassion. The heroism of first responders and those aboard Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers is celebrated as a testament to the American spirit of resilience in the face of tragedy.
The anniversary of 9/11 is marked each year by solemn memorials, tributes, and moments of silence to honor the lives lost. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City stands as a permanent reminder of the events of that day, and serves as a place for visitors to pay their respects and remember.
The memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11 will continue to be honored for generations to come, as the world works towards a future free from the threat of terrorism.
The World Trade Center Bombing: The Background
On February 26th of 1993, a truck bomb was set-off underneath the North Tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. This attack was done by terrorists. An act of terrorism is a systematic use of violence to instill fear in a population.
The World Trade Center bombing of 1993 involved the detonation of a 1,500 lb. nitrate-hydrogen-enhanced explosive. The device was intended to blow-up both buildings and ultimately kill thousands of people. Although this horrific plan did not come to fruition, the bombing killed seven people and injured over 1,000.
The World Trade Center Bombing was planned by a terrorist organization that was comprised of the following people: Ramzi Yousef, Mohammed Salameh, NidalAyyad, Mahmud Abouhalima, AhmanAjaj, and Abdul Rahman Yasin.
Before the attack, these men laid out a series of demands. These demands were printed in New Yorkās papers. The men wanted the United States to stop being friendly with Israel. They also wanted the United States to get out of the Middle East. In these letters to the newspapers, the terrorists said that the World Trade Center bombing would be the first act of terrorism if the demands were not met.
Following the World Trade Center bombing, a number of federal agents and police officers raced to the scene. In the weeks following the World Trade Center Bombing, investigators found a piece of the bombās transport vehicle. A vehicle identification number was also found which led the authorities to investigate where the rental truck came from. The agents ultimately determined that the truck used to carry the bomb was rented by Mohamed Salameh.
The arrest of Salameh led the police to the apartment of Abdul Rahman Yasin. The dominoes then fell in the right place for the United States and its agents. In March of 1994, the other men responsible for the World Trade Center Bombing were arrested. Their charges included the following: conspiracy, explosive destruction of property, and interstate transportation of explosives. In November of 1997, the terrorists were formerly convicted for their role in the World Trade Center Bombing. Today, the men all sit in a tiny jail cell. They will be there for the rest of their lives.