September 11th, 2001

Who Carried Out The Attacks

19 members of the al Qaeda network were responsible for planning and carrying out the terrorist attacks

• These hijackers legally entered the United States with visas

•Osama bin Laden is the leader of al Qaeda

Who Did NOT Attack on 9/11

Despite confusion among the general public, Iraq played no role in the planning or implementation of the September 11th attacks

Since al Qaeda had done business in Iraq with the consent of the Iraqi government, many used the connection between al Qaeda and Iraq as a justification for war.

Who were the victims? 2,974 ordinary citizens died while

at work, traveling, or carrying out their normal lives

The victims spanned a wide range of ages, ethnic group, and came from around the country and the world.

Many victims at WTC were firefighters, police, and Emergency Medical Technichians attempting to rescue others.

What Happened

Four airline jets were hijacked in the air, as the hijackers used small knives and box-cutters permitted on airplanes

The hijackers attended flight school to learn how to fly the planes

All flights were non-stop flights from the East Coast to California, maximizing the fuel on each plane

Where did the planes crash?

World Trade Center A symbol of America’s

commercial and economic power

Served as an office building for up to 50,000 employees

After the upper structure began to lose it’s ability to support itself in the fire, the towers collapsed.

Where did the planes crash?

The PentagonA symbol of

America’s military power

US military headquarters, where 23,000 civilian and military employees work.

Where did the planes crash?

Shanksville, PAThis plane was

intended to crash into the Capitol or the White House

Passengers rushed the cockpit, forcing hijackers to abort the mission and crash early

When did the attacks occur? 8:45 AM Plane Crashes into WTC

North Tower 9:03 AM Plane Crashes into WTC

South Tower 9:43 AM Plane Crashes into Pentagon 10:05 AM WTC South Tower Collapses 10:10 AM Plane Crashes near

Shanksville, PA 10:45 AM WTC North Tower Collapses

Why did al Qaeda attack?

Extreme beliefs from Islam which promote a “Holy War” to defend faith

They oppose United States foreign policy and support for Israel

The oppose US sanctions on IraqThey oppose United States military

presence in Saudi Arabia, their religion’s holy land

SummaryFor two hours on the morning of

September 11, 2001, terror reigned throughout the United States.

While Iraq played no direct role in the 9/11 attacks, Americans fear over a repeat of such a calamity, citizens became more concerned with taking out governments which support al Qaeda and other terrorists