Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners in a coordinated attack on the United States. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; a third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania following a passenger revolt.
The first strike happened around 8:46 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower. Seventeen minutes later, at about 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower. In less than two hours, both towers collapsed from the damage: the South Tower fell around 9:59 a.m., followed by the North Tower at approximately 10:28 a.m.
Meanwhile, at 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, causing extensive damage and loss of life. United Airlines Flight 93, diverted by brave passengers trying to prevent its crash, eventually went down in rural Pennsylvania around 10:03 a.m.
Across the country—and around the world—the attacks were broadcast live on television and online. This became one of the first global media events where real-time footage brought millions of viewers together in shock and disbelief.
The human toll was unprecedented. In total, 2,996 people died—including passengers, office workers, first responders, and the hijackers themselves. This figure encompasses 265 people aboard the planes, 2,606 in the World Trade Center area, and 125 at the Pentagon. The tragedy also remains the deadliest terrorist attack in history, and the most lethal day ever for firefighters and law enforcement: 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers perished in the collapse and rescue efforts.
The emotional impact was instant and overwhelming. As one witness reflected in the days afterward, they couldn’t escape the faces of the innocent victims—“Their pictures are everywhere, on phone booths, streetlights, and walls of subway stations. Everything reminded us of a huge funeral; people were quiet and sad”.
Within hours, the federal government responded swiftly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered all civilian aircraft to be grounded, stopping departures and instructing those already in the air to land immediately. International flights were rerouted, with Canada’s Operation Yellow Ribbon accommodating many of the diverted planes. The legal and policy consequences followed quickly: the Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security, and the USA PATRIOT Act expanded federal surveillance and counterterrorism powers.
In short, September 11, 2001, is still etched into our memory as a day when grief, courage, and resolve came together. Nearly every American knows exactly where they were when the unthinkable happened. This series of articles will continue to explore not just the historical facts, but also the emotional and cultural effects of that tragic morning.
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