The 9/11 Attacks: How Saudi Terrorists Smuggled Box Cutters and Knives Through Security

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks targeted both men and women in the American population. The attackers, who were from Saudi Arabia, successfully smuggled weapons like box cutters and knives through security. Upon takeoff, they hijacked the planes with a specific focus on the Twin Towers in New York City, which at that time were considered the tallest buildings in the United States. In addition to this attack, another occurred at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. However, courageous passengers on a fourth plane resisted against the terrorists, preventing it from reaching its intended target; unfortunately, all passengers aboard that flight lost their lives.

On December 13, 2001, Osama Bin Laden claimed responsibility for these attacks. During Obama’s presidency, U.S. special forces conducted a raid resulting in Bin Laden’s death on May 2, 2011. To confirm his identity, DNA and facial recognition techniques were used along with verification from one of his wives (Death of Osama Bin Laden – 2018).

It is widely known that the September 11th attack was not accidental. This attack resulted in the deaths of 2,977 individuals and caused injuries to many others. Immediate rescue efforts were initiated, and the overall damage to various infrastructures amounted to approximately $10 billion. Osama Bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, orchestrated this attack.

As of October 2019, only 1,645 (60%) of the 2,753 victims from the World Trade Center have been identified. The aftermath of 9/11 has led to a significant number of first responders and individuals near the towers developing cancer due to inhaling air on that day. Tragically, even singer Donna Summer passed away as a result of inhaling dust particles. Over 18,000 people have reported falling ill from inhaling these particles, with respiratory problems being most common.

In the morning of September 11th, President George Bush was at an elementary school in Florida when he received news about the attacks. To ensure his safety, he was flown back to Washington D.C., and in the evening addressed the nation promising no differentiation between terrorists responsible for these acts and those who support them.

After 9/11, besides the health consequences it caused, Americans also felt a rise in fear and apprehension. The entire nation was on high alert due to the possibility of another attack, resulting in tall buildings being evacuated as a precaution against potential plane targeting. As a result, all aircraft were grounded, leading to empty skies. To address this situation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration quickly ordered approximately 4,000 planes to immediately land in an attempt to regain control (Cain 2016). Terrorism created widespread fear and anxiety across the United States.

After the tragic events of 9/11, numerous people were diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This national calamity had a far-reaching effect on the entire country. In the aftermath of 9/11, various epidemiological studies were conducted to investigate the psychological consequences of this traumatic incident at a nationwide level (Schlenger et al., 2002; Schuster et al., 2001; Silver, Holman, McIntosh, Poulin, & Gil-Rivas, 2002). The objective of these studies was to ascertain whether there would be a long-lasting psychological impact of 9/11 on the American population. Even though it has been 18 years since that day, its significance remains strong for America. As per the findings from one study, families who received the remains of victims experienced more peace compared to those who only received fragments or no remains at all. The period following 9/11 instilled fear towards immigrants and individuals resembling the attackers across the nation. This fear permeated society and even affected children who displayed PTSD symptoms similar to adults. Media exposure subsequent to 9/11 had an especially profound influence on children in New York City, causing some to develop mistrust towards immigrants – including those whose parents were immigrants themselves (Gershoff et al., 2010).

In response to the events of 9/11, changes were made to ensure passenger safety. One significant change was the prohibition of cockpit visitation throughout the entire flight, which was previously allowed for children. Airport security procedures also underwent substantial modifications. Prior to 9/11, airport security measures were less strict compared to their current state. However, after the tragic events, security was significantly heightened.

Currently, passengers must provide identification matching their ticket and personal items such as shoes, jewelry, laptops, and cell phones are separately screened and inspected. Travel-sized items are widely accepted as only liquids under 3.4 ounces are permitted through security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may conduct random pat-downs at airports for enhanced security measures. Despite discussions about potentially relaxing airport security regulations, smuggling of illicit items still occurs. To address this issue, tighter restrictions are deemed necessary.

The collective response was adopted as a precautionary measure to prevent future incidents like these.

The devastating events of 9/11 had a profound impact on the economy. Wall Street crashed, resulting in a complete market collapse, while Ground Zero suffered damages estimated at around $60 million. Moreover, there was a significant decline in air travel as people were reluctant to fly after the attacks. During the years 2001-2004, a total of $7 billion was distributed as compensation to both the families of 9/11 victims and those who were injured.

In 2011, President Barack Obama signed The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act into law, reinstating funding for individuals affected by these tragic events. This legislation was named after James Zadroga, an officer who died from respiratory issues caused by his involvement in 9/11. An amount totaling $7.4 billion was specifically allocated to aid those suffering from illnesses related to the events of 9/11. It is important to note that this funding is scheduled to end in December of 2020.

Many countries worldwide showed their support for the United States, with Great Britain singing their national anthem, Brazil’s Christ statue outlining the New York City skyline, and Japan sending a bouquet of flowers to the U.S.

In remembrance of the first anniversary of 9/11, two bright columns of lights were erected where the twin towers once stood. These lights were visible from approximately sixty miles away.

To honor the victims, a memorial park and museum were established for 9/11. The park covers about 8 acres and includes two reflecting pools in the spots where the twin towers previously existed. These pools feature rushing waterfalls and engraved names of all those affected. On September 11th, 2011, marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks, the memorial became accessible to the public.

The victims of the September 11th terrorist attack were truly heroic. Betty Ong from United flight 11 exemplified this bravery as she contacted the airline to alert them of the attack and stayed on the phone until her plane crashed into the North tower. Heartbreaking stories and videos depict acts of heroism and tragic losses experienced that day, including children desperately yearning for their parents, leaving voicemail messages. Around 3,000 children lost a parent during this tragedy. On Youtube, an emotional video featuring Matt Van Auken shares his experience as a child who lost his father on that day. He discusses the challenges he faced when visiting the memorial site but ultimately finds closure there. Matt’s story is just one among many impacted children, some of whom never had a chance to meet their fathers because their mothers were pregnant at the time. In an article titled “losing a family member in act of terror,” a relative recounts how devastating it can be to publicly lose someone compared to losing them privately. She describes how constant news coverage saturated with footage and images of the planes hitting the towers intensified her anguish.

Despite encountering challenges, the United States has demonstrated its resilience and strength as a nation. In times of hardship, Americans came together and emerged victorious, showcasing our unwavering resolve against acts of terrorism. Following the tragic events of 9/11, there has been a sole recorded occurrence of terrorism: the Boston marathon bombing.

References

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