The World Trade Center: From 1993 Bombing to the 9/11 Attacks

The World Trade Center (WTC) in lower Manhattan was a significant commercial complex comprising seven buildings, a large plaza, and an underground shopping mall connecting six of the structures. The complex, most notably recognized for its Twin Towers, was the site of two devastating terrorist attacks: the 1993 bombing and the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The 1993 World Trade Center Bombing

On February 26, 1993, a powerful explosion rocked the parking garage beneath the World Trade Center at approximately 12:17 PM FBI. This event marked the first significant terrorist attack on U.S. Soil targeting the World Trade Center.

The September 11, 2001 Attacks

The World Trade Center was completely destroyed on September 11, 2001, in a coordinated terrorist attack that became known as “9/11” 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The attacks involved hijacked planes intentionally flown into the Twin Towers.

On that day, 2,977 people were killed in the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history Miller Center. Two planes, hijacked by Islamic jihadists, struck both towers of the World Trade Center. Another plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely intervened.

The attacks unfolded in a manner that allowed millions to witness the events live on television, creating a moment of national shock and outrage reminiscent of the attack on Pearl Harbor Miller Center. The timing of the attacks – in a busy city on a workday – and the staggered nature of the events ensured widespread media coverage.

Timeline of the September 11th Attacks

• 5:45 AM: Mohamed Atta and Abdul Aziz al-Omari, future hijackers, passed through security at Portland International Jetport in Maine and boarded a commuter flight to Boston.
• 7:59 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 took off from Boston, headed for Los Angeles, carrying 76 passengers, 11 crew members, and 5 hijackers.
• 8:15 AM: United Airlines Flight 175 departed from Boston, too bound for Los Angeles.

Al Qaeda’s Role

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were carried out by al Qaeda, who continue to obsess over the event, referring to it as the “Manhattan Raid” Brookings Institution.