Fact Check: "9/11"
What We Know
The term "9/11" refers to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when 19 militants associated with the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners. Two of these planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing their eventual collapse. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon, while the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, was brought down by passengers in a field in Pennsylvania after they attempted to regain control from the hijackers. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, marking it as the deadliest terrorist act in U.S. history (source-1, source-2).
The timeline of the attacks is well-documented. The first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, took off from Boston at 7:59 AM and crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 AM. United Airlines Flight 175 followed, hitting the South Tower at 9:03 AM. American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 AM, and United Airlines Flight 93 was brought down at 10:03 AM (source-4, source-6).
Analysis
The claim regarding "9/11" is supported by extensive documentation and evidence from multiple credible sources. The National Archives maintains a comprehensive collection of records related to the attacks, including the 9/11 Commission Report, which provides a detailed account of the events, the perpetrators, and the aftermath (source-2). The Department of Defense also offers historical accounts of the attacks, emphasizing their significance in U.S. history (source-1).
Moreover, the timeline of events is corroborated by various reputable sources, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Miller Center, which detail the sequence of the attacks and their immediate impact on national security (source-3, source-6). The widespread media coverage during and after the attacks further solidified the events in public memory, as millions witnessed the events unfold live on television (source-4).
While some conspiracy theories have emerged regarding the attacks, the overwhelming consensus among historians, government reports, and eyewitness accounts supports the established narrative of the events of September 11, 2001. The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded, providing a reliable foundation for understanding the significance of 9/11 in American history.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim regarding "9/11" as a significant event in U.S. history is true. The attacks on September 11, 2001, were a coordinated act of terrorism that resulted in substantial loss of life and had profound implications for national security and foreign policy. The evidence from credible sources consistently supports this conclusion.
Sources
- Historical Office > DOD History > Pentagon > 9/11 Attack
- Remembering 9/11
- September 11 Chronology
- Timeline for the day of the September 11 attacks
- Outline of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia
- Timeline: The September 11 terrorist attacks - Miller Center
- 9/11 Memorial Timeline
- September 11 attacks | History, Summary, Location, Timeline, Casualties