September 11 attacks

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by the Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States. Four commercial airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists. Two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed, causing massive casualties and destruction. Another plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, causing severe damage and loss of life. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers, preventing it from reaching its intended target. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and prompted the United States to launch the War on Terror, including the invasion of Afghanistan to topple the Taliban regime harboring al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden.

On September 20, 2001, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of the United States Congress. In this speech, he outlined the United States' response to the attacks, declaring a 'War on Terror' and demanding that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan surrender al-Qaeda leaders hiding in their country. The speech was notable for its firm stance against terrorism and its call for international support in combating terrorist activities. President Bush famously stated, 'Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists,' setting the tone for U.S. foreign policy in the ensuing years.

On October 7, 2001, the United States, along with the United Kingdom, launched military operations in Afghanistan, marking the beginning of the war against the Taliban regime and al-Qaeda forces. The invasion was in direct response to the September 11 attacks and aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and preventing the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations. The initial phase involved bombing campaigns and the deployment of ground troops, quickly toppling the Taliban from power. This operation marked the start of the long-term conflict in Afghanistan and the broader global War on Terror.

On May 30, 2002, the cleanup of Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center attacks in New York City, was officially completed. This marked the end of a massive cleanup operation that took over eight months to finish, involving thousands of workers who risked their health and safety to recover the bodies of victims and remove the enormous amounts of debris from the site. The cleanup effort was an enormous logistical and emotional task, carried out amid both the grief over those who were lost and the determination to rebuild and move forward. This milestone was a significant moment of closure for many impacted by the tragedy.

On March 20, 2003, the United States, alongside coalition forces, initiated the invasion of Iraq, marking the commencement of the Iraq War. Although the invasion was primarily justified by the U.S. government on the basis of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction, it was also framed within the broader context of the War on Terror, following the events of September 11, 2001. The decision to invade led to significant international debate and controversy. The subsequent toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime marked a pivotal moment in the Middle East that had longstanding implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.

On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, known as the 9/11 Commission, released its final report. The 585-page document provided a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks, examining both the events leading up to the attacks and the responses by appropriate agencies. The report offered insights into the failures of intelligence and aviation security agencies and included recommendations to prevent future attacks. The findings highlighted the need for significant reforms and better coordination among U.S. intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

On May 23, 2006, the docudrama film 'United 93' was released. The film depicts the events on board United Airlines Flight 93, one of the four planes hijacked during the September 11 attacks. Unlike the other planes, the passengers on United 93 attempted to regain control from the hijackers, ultimately causing the plane to crash into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching its intended target. The film aimed to offer a respectful and thoughtful portrayal of the bravery and collective action of the passengers amidst a national tragedy.

On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the founder of the militant Islamist group al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11 attacks, was killed by United States Navy SEALs in a covert operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation, known as Operation Neptune Spear, was carried out by the Navy's SEAL Team Six and was a significant victory for the United States in its War on Terror. Bin Laden had been the most wanted fugitive due to his orchestration of the 9/11 attacks, and his death was seen as a major blow to al-Qaeda. The operation was ordered by President Barack Obama after locating bin Laden's compound.

On November 3, 2014, One World Trade Center officially opened in New York City. Standing at 1,776 feet tall, this new skyscraper was built on the site of the original World Trade Center complex that was destroyed in the September 11 attacks. Known as the Freedom Tower, it became the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its opening symbolized resilience and recovery, serving as both a functional workspace and a memorial to those lost. This moment represented a triumph over the tragedy of 9/11 and a forward-looking symbol of hope and renewal for New Yorkers and Americans as a whole.

On July 29, 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law the permanent authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. This fund was established to provide financial support to the first responders and survivors who suffered health issues due to the exposure to toxic debris and dust following the attacks on the World Trade Center. Over the years, many responders faced chronic health conditions, including cancer, spurring advocacy for continued funding of their healthcare needs. The law ensured that financial resources would be available to support the victims and their families indefinitely.