Thousands of people rushed to evacuate the burning towers. At the same time, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders raced into the buildings to help. Then, at 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed. Less than half an hour later, the North Tower did too. More than 2,400 people were killed, including about 400 first responders.
Two other planes were hijacked on 9/11. One plowed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. military, near Washington, D.C. The other plunged into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Passengers on that plane had fought back against their hijackers after hearing what had happened in New York and at the Pentagon. Experts say those hijackers may have been aiming for the White House or the U.S. Capitol.
In all, nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks. Al Qaeda, a terrorist group based in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility. Within days, President George W. Bush declared a “war on terror.” As part of it, U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. That war would last 20 years—the longest in American history.
As a result of the attacks, the U.S. increased security measures at airports and other public buildings. It also passed laws expanding federal power over Americans’ privacy rights. Many of those procedures and laws are still in place today.
What was it like to be in New York on 9/11? For one survivor’s story, keep reading.