Sept. 11, 2001, cast a long shadow over American history, marking a day that resonates deeply within the national consciousness.
An unprecedented act of terror snatched nearly 3,000 lives—a tragic toll that forever altered the fabric of daily life in America. From commercial plane passengers to innocent civilians and courageous first responders, countless souls were lost that fateful day.
The haunting memories of that morning evoke a profound sense of sorrow, a collective grief that binds generations.
The timeline of the tragic events is recorded meticulously by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Below, revisit the harrowing moments that unfolded on that day.
- 5:45 a.m. Terrorists pass through security screening in Portland, Maine
- 6 a.m. Polling stations open in New York City
- 7:59 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston
- 8:15 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston
- 8:19 a.m. American Airlines ground personnel notified of hijacking by a flight attendant on Flight 11
- 8:20 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington Dulles International Airport
- 8:24 a.m. Flight 11 transmits message by hijacker
- 8:30 a.m. Employees flood into work at the World Trade Center in New York City
- 8:37 a.m. Boston air traffic control alerts military
- 8:42 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark, New Jersey, after delay
- 8:46 a.m. The north tower is hit, first responders head to the scene
- 8:50 a.m. President George W. Bush is alerted of north tower hit
- 8:55 a.m. The south tower is declared secure
- 8:59 a.m. A decision is made by PAPD Sgt. Al DeVona to evacuate both towers
- 9 a.m. Phone calls are made from those trapped on Flight 175
- 9:02 a.m. Evacuation commences in south tower
- 9:03 a.m. South tower is hit, more emergency personnel arrive
- 9:05 a.m. The president is informed south tower hit, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani goes to NYPD command post
- 9:12 a.m. Those on the ground are alerted of Flight 77 hijacking through phone calls made from plane
- 9:30 a.m. The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management is evacuated
- 9:36 a.m. Vice President Dick Cheney evacuates to Presidential Emergency Operations Center
- 9:37 a.m. Third plane crashes into Pentagon
- 9:42 a.m. FAA grounds all flights
- 9:45 a.m. Evacuations begin at the White House and the U.S. Capitol
- 9:58 a.m. 911 call is placed by Edward Felt from Flight 93
- 9:59 a.m. The south tower collapses, continuity of government procedures implemented
- 10:03 a.m. Flight 93 crashes in field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania
- 10:15 a.m. Pentagon E Ring collapses
- 10:28 a.m. North tower collapses
- 11:02 a.m. Mayor orders evacuation of Lower Manhattan
- 12:16 p.m. Last flight in the United States lands
- 12:30 p.m. Group of 14 survivors are found in north tower ruins
- Early afternoon: Rescue efforts continue at Ground Zero
- 3 p.m. Survivor rescued at World Trade Center site
- 5:20 p.m. 7 World Trade Center collapses
- 8:30 p.m. President addresses the nation
- 10:30 p.m. Rescue workers find trapped PAPD workers
1. 5:45 a.m. Terrorists pass through security screening in Portland, Maine
On that fateful morning, the terrorists successfully passed through security checks in Portland, Maine, at 5:45 a.m., marking the beginning of an unimaginable day.
There were 19 terrorists, each destined to take control of four planes, a tragic confluence of intentions that, unbeknownst to the public, was about to unfold.
Before September 11, airports in the United States had not adopted robust security protocols, allowing items such as knives with blades less than four inches to board flights without arousing suspicion.
2. 6 a.m. Polling stations open in New York City
The city buzzed with anticipation as polling stations opened at 6 a.m. on September 11, 2001; it was primary election day.
Candidates vied for office, yet most were oblivious to the impending doom that would envelop the city.
Voting was underway for various positions, including that of mayor and public advocate—a situation juxtaposed with the terror unfolding in the sky.
3. 7:59 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston
American Airlines Flight 11 took to the skies at 7:59 a.m., a seemingly ordinary departure from Boston Logan International Airport.
Aboard were 11 crew members and 76 passengers, along with five hijackers. The ordinary quickly transformed into a nightmare.
4. 8:15 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston
Just seconds later, at 8:15 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 launched from Boston as well.
This flight also carried five hijackers, alongside nine crew members and 51 passengers, unaware of their fateful journey ahead.
5. 8:19 a.m. American Airlines ground personnel notified of hijacking by a flight attendant on Flight 11
This moment was a turning point. At 8:19 a.m., Betty Ann Ong from Flight 11 alerted American Airlines ground personnel, using an onboard phone, about the unfolding hijacking.
In that also precarious 25-minute phone call, she communicated sheer terror, a glimpse into the horror aboard the plane. When a passenger was stabbed in first class, she knew time was running out, as the hijackers turned off the plane’s transponder—a critical lifeline to air traffic control.
At 8:32 a.m., flight attendant Madeline Amy Sweeney reached out to her airport manager friend, offering a harrowing description of the hijackers. She bravely stood witness, embodying the spirit of those trapped that day.
6. 8:20 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington Dulles International Airport
American Airlines Flight 77 departed at 8:20 a.m., aiming for Los Angeles.
It included six crew members, 53 passengers, and five hijackers; all sailing on an unsuspecting course for chaos.
7. 8:24 a.m. Flight 11 transmits message by hijacker
Minutes later, at 8:24 a.m., chaos escalated with Flight 11 transmitting a message designed for internal communication.
Such miscommunication created an unsettling atmosphere—one that would remain alien to those on the ground, oblivious to the fear unfolding above.
8. 8:30 a.m. Employees flood into work at the World Trade Center in New York City
As the clock struck 8:30 a.m., the World Trade Center in New York City bustled with energy. Workers guided their way to conferences and meetings, not yet aware of the impending tragedy.
The Risk Waters Group financial technology conference had 80 participants gathered on the 106th floor, part of the fabric of daily life tinged with optimism and productivity—everything about to change.
9. 8:37 a.m. Boston air traffic control alerts military
After deciphering the chaos from the hijackers’ transmission, Boston’s air traffic control reached out to military authorities at 8:37 a.m.
A response was on the horizon. The U.S. Air Force’s Northeast Air Defense Sector was primed to intercept the unfolding catastrophe that seemed surreal, yet imminent.
10. 8:42 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark, New Jersey, after delay
At 8:42 a.m., the last of the four hijacked planes, United Airlines Flight 93, took off from Newark Airport.
With its seven crew members and 33 passengers on board, the plane was also burdened with four hijackers. The air was thick with anxiety, though few knew it yet.
11. 8:46 a.m. The north tower is hit, first responders head to the scene
At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 collided with the north tower of the World Trade Center. The impact wreaked havoc as the 93rd to 99th floors were hit.
First responders raced toward the scene, pumping adrenaline as they sought to provide help amidst total chaos.
12. 8:50 a.m. President George W. Bush is alerted of north tower hit
The news reached President George W. Bush while he was attending an elementary school in Sarasota, Florida.
He learned that a small plane had struck the north tower at 8:50 a.m., a moment that forever altered the course of his presidency.
13. 8:55 a.m. The south tower is declared secure
Confusion compounded as the south tower was declared secure at 8:55 a.m. Over the loudspeakers, the message sprawled on—”Building Two is secure. There is no need to evacuate.” Yet just moments later, that reassurance would vanish into thin air alongside lives forever changed.
14. 8:59 a.m. A decision is made by PAPD Sgt. Al DeVona to evacuate both towers
# # At 8:59 a.m., PAPD Sgt. Al DeVona’s call to evacuate echoed through the hallways, a desperate response just before both towers would encounter their fates.
15. 9 a.m. Phone calls are made from those trapped on Flight 175
Moments later, those aboard Flight 175 began making frantic calls to family members. A flight attendant managed to relay the horror to United Airlines’ operator, an urgent plea full of desperation.
The clock was ticking. The world outside remained blissfully unaware of the terror unfolding, a stark contrast to the chaos within.
16. 9:02 a.m. Evacuation commences in south tower
Evacuation orders flooded through the south tower at 9:02 a.m. as employees hurriedly gathered their belongings, eyes wide in fear. “If the conditions warrant on your floor, you may wish to start an orderly evacuation,” a voice rang with less urgency that belied the actuality just minutes away.
A minute’s time would soon show the contrast of that calm tone against the reality of horror.
17. 9:03 a.m. South tower is hit, more emergency personnel arrive
A horrifying repetition played out when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower at 9:03 a.m., piercing through floors 77 to 85.
The extent of loss went uncounted in that moment, as lives were simultaneously extinguished and heroes began rushing to aid in the most unimaginable of situations.
18. 9:05 a.m. The president is informed south tower hit, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani goes to NYPD command post
President Bush received word of the second plane strike at 9:05 a.m., his heart likely pounding as he departed the school, boarding Air Force One at 9:35 a.m. He faced a leadership burden he had never anticipated.
Simultaneously, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani rushed to the NYPD command post, both leaders were thrust into positions of immediate crisis management.
19. 9:12 a.m. Those on the ground are alerted of Flight 77 hijacking through phone calls made from plane
At 9:12 a.m., a wave of panic spread when calls from Flight 77 reached their families. Flight attendant Renee A. May informed her mother about the hijacking, instilling a reality that many could scarcely comprehend.
The heart-wrenching emotions played out in real-time, with Barbara K. Olson alerting her husband through an anguished call.
20. 9:30 a.m. The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management is evacuated
By 9:30 a.m., the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management began its evacuation. Located in 7 World Trade Center, they were essential in directing efforts that suddenly shifted into survival mode.
21. 9:36 a.m. Vice President Dick Cheney evacuates to Presidential Emergency Operations Center
As chaos unfolded, Vice President Dick Cheney moved to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center at 9:36 a.m. A fortified location designed for crises, it became a sanctuary amid nationwide terror.
22. 9:37 a.m. Third plane crashes into Pentagon
In an eerie synchronicity, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., striking at the heart of U.S. military power. This plane claimed 125 lives on the ground, along with passengers doing their best to navigate an unimaginable ordeal.
23. 9:42 a.m. FAA grounds all flights
As the third plane struck, the FAA took decisive action at 9:42 a.m., grounding all U.S. flights.
The airspace began to clear, a stark contrast to the chaos in the skies moments earlier, an unprecedented measure reflecting the growing state of emergency.
24. 9:45 a.m. Evacuations begin at the White House and the U.S. Capitol
At 9:45 a.m., two monumental government buildings began evacuations. The very symbols of American democracy—the White House and the U.S. Capitol—became scenes of frantic escape from the uncertain aftermath.
25. 9:58 a.m. 911 call is placed by Edward Felt from Flight 93
At 9:58 a.m., the passengers aboard Flight 93 united in courage, defying their captors through frantic calls. Edward Felt’s desperate 911 call echoed as he sought help from a bathroom—a haunting reminder of their spirit against hopeless odds.
26. 9:59 a.m. The south tower collapses, continuity of government procedures implemented
In a tragic culmination, the south tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m., just 10 seconds to fulfill its devastation. More than 800 lives—including first responders—were tragically snuffed out in an instant.
This incident led to the immediate establishment of continuity of government—an acknowledgment that security at the highest level had been profoundly breached.
The continuity program sought to preserve not just the physical governance but also the ideals that define the nation, to ensure a brave path forward even in the darkest of nights.
27. 10:03 a.m. Flight 93 crashes in field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania
Flight 93 veered toward a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 a.m. The courageous passengers had learned of the previous attacks, deciding to fight back amid fierce bravery, ending the flight’s trajectory toward a monumental target—the U.S. Capitol.
This collective bravery stood as a testament to the resolve of the human spirit against terror.
28. 10:15 a.m. Pentagon E Ring collapses
Ten minutes before the north tower would meet its fate, the E Ring of the Pentagon collapsed at 10:15 a.m.
The heart of defense crumbled, illustrating the weight of the attacks, reverberating through the very fabric of national security.
29. 10:28 a.m. North tower collapses
The north tower fell at 10:28 a.m., taking with it stories and lives that would never be told. Simultaneously, the nation fought to understand the depth of loss, an event that forever changed lives.
30. 11:02 a.m. Mayor orders evacuation of Lower Manhattan
In the aftermath, Mayor Giuliani ordered the evacuation of Lower Manhattan at 11:02 a.m. His voice soothed desperation, urging calm in a chaos-ridden city.
“Remain calm and evacuate,” he implored, though many would linger in the aftermath of such sorrow.
31. 12:16 p.m. Last flight in the United States lands
In the early afternoon, at 12:16 p.m., the last flight landed in U.S. airspace, marking a decisive halt to flying amid the cries of grief.
32. 12:30 p.m. Group of 14 survivors are found in north tower ruins
At 12:30 p.m., a miracle emerged when 14 survivors were discovered in the north tower’s rubble—instilling hope among despair.
A group of first responders, bound by duty, alongside one civilian, clung to life despite the overwhelming destruction.
33. Early afternoon: Rescue efforts continue at Ground Zero
Rescue efforts persisted throughout the early afternoon at the tragic site dubbed “Ground Zero.” The community rallied, uniting to help the wounded.
By 3 p.m., a survivor was found, reminding all that hope can emerge from the depths of despair.
34. 3 p.m. Survivor rescued at World Trade Center site
Pasquale Buzzelli was rescued at 3 p.m., a story of resilience amid the ruins. The Port Authority worker’s path was strewn with debris, but he stood as a symbol of survival, providing hope.
At that moment, humanity shone through, binding those who crossed paths in both suffering and strength.
35. 5:20 p.m. 7 World Trade Center collapses
At 5:20 p.m., a final act of destruction unfolded as 7 World Trade Center fell, while the city held its collective breath. Fortunately, this building had been evacuated in time, yet sadness permeated the air.
36. 8:30 p.m. President addresses the nation
President Bush addressed an anxious nation at 8:30 p.m., capturing the mood of millions while rallying the spirit of America with potent words.
“The search is underway for those responsible for these calamities. We will seek justice without distinction,” he vowed, challenging the nation to unite.
37. 10:30 p.m. Rescue workers find trapped PAPD workers
Later that night, at 10:30 p.m., two more brave souls were rescued: PAPD Officer William Jimeno and PAPD Sgt. John McLoughin. Their rescue was almost cinematic, for it took hours to release them from the wreckage, showcasing the resilience of not only their bodies but the human spirit.
Amid overwhelming sorrow, the darkness of that day reminds all that love and bravery can break through despair. On this fateful anniversary, the acts of heroism that emerged remain forever ingrained in the hearts of many.
