On September 11, 2001, America faced its deadliest terrorist attack. Four hijacked planes struck iconic U.S. targets in a coordinated assault. Two planes hit New York City’s World Trade Center towers, causing them to collapse. Another slammed into the Pentagon, while a fourth crashed into a Pennsylvania field after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people were killed and thousands more injured.

The attacks brought New York and Washington to a standstill, shut down air travel nationwide, and sent shockwaves of grief and anger across the country. Firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens became heroes as they raced to help others.

President George W. Bush vowed justice for those responsible. Within hours, suspicion focused on Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, igniting what became the U.S.-led War on Terror. The events of that day reshaped American security, foreign policy, and daily life for decades to come.