Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, America once again pauses to read the names, lower the flags and remember nearly 3,000 people murdered on a morning that transformed the United States and much of the world.But a quarter-century later, remembrance alone may no longer be enough.The more difficult question is whether America learned from what followed.September 11 produced an extraordinary moment of national unity. It also unleashed a global War on Terror that would span presidencies, continents and generations.George W. Bush invaded Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban government that sheltered it. But his administration then invaded Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found.Barack Obama eventually oversaw the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, but his administration dramatically expanded America's use of drone warfare.Joe Biden ended America's longest war by withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, but the chaotic final evacuation from Kabul left another painful image in the history of the conflict.Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.That contradiction becomes even sharper when compared with American public opinion.A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 48 per cent of Americans believe the Afghanistan war was not worth its toll and 51 per cent say the same about Iraq. Just 25 per cent believe the current Iran conflict has been worth it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | 25 years after 9/11, America remembers. But after Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran — and a rising fear of extremism from within — has America actually learned? THE VERDICT with <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/September11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#September11</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/911Anniversary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#911Anniversary</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLzzYu9mfH">pic.twitter.com/YLzzYu9mfH</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2098452221021352377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The threat came home</h2>Perhaps the greatest transformation, however, is in what Americans now fear.September 11 focused American attention overwhelmingly on terrorism originating overseas.Today, 61 per cent of Americans say ideology-driven attacks by domestic extremists pose the greater threat, compared with 34 per cent who point to extremists abroad. When asked more broadly about threats to ordinary Americans, mass shootings ranked even higher.America spent decades hunting terrorism thousands of kilometres from its shores. Twenty-five years later, its citizens increasingly fear violence emerging from within their own country.That is an extraordinary reversal.<h2>The people 9/11 never stopped killing</h2>Then there is another legacy — one measured not in geopolitics but in hospital wards.Thousands of first responders, recovery workers, survivors and residents have suffered illnesses associated with exposure to the toxic aftermath of the World Trade Center collapse. This year's commemoration even added, for the first time, a moment of silence for people who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.And just days before the anniversary, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration released the first 170,000 pages of previously withheld city records concerning air quality and the government's response after the attacks. The release followed years of litigation and campaigning by 9/11 advocates. More documents are expected over the next year.It creates a striking political juxtaposition.Former mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose public image became inseparable from his leadership after September 11, has been among Mamdani's fiercest critics. Yet Mamdani's administration is now opening records concerning what City Hall knew about toxic conditions after Ground Zero and when it knew it.For survivors and families, accountability cannot end with memorial ceremonies."Never forget" must also mean never forgetting those who survived the morning but have spent decades living with its consequences.<h2>America's unfinished lesson</h2>There is no denying that America changed after September 11.Airport security was transformed. Intelligence agencies were reorganised. Al-Qaeda's leadership was devastated. Osama bin Laden was killed.But America also paid heavily for some of the choices made in the shadow of those burning towers: long wars, expanded surveillance, enormous expenditure, civilian casualties abroad and deep political arguments at home.A quarter-century later, America is considerably more politically divided than the country that briefly united on September 12, 2001. The Financial Times notes how starkly today's polarisation contrasts with the extraordinary national solidarity immediately following the attacks.That may be the uncomfortable lesson of this anniversary.Grief without reflection can become policy.Fear without restraint can become war.And remembrance without accountability can become ceremony.America has kept its promise to never forget September 11.Twenty-five years later, the harder question is whether it has finally learned from everything that came after.&nbsp;

Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, America once again pauses to read the names, lower the flags and remember nearly 3,000 people murdered on a morning that transformed the United States and much of the world. But a quarter-century later, remembrance alone may no longer be enough. The more difficult question is whether America learned from what followed. September 11 produced an extraordinary moment of national unity. It also unleashed a global War on Terror that would span presidencies, continents and generations. George W. Bush invaded Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban government that sheltered it. But his administration then invaded Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found. Barack Obama eventually oversaw the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, but his administration dramatically expanded America's use of drone warfare. Joe Biden ended America's longest war by withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, but the chaotic final evacuation from Kabul left another painful image in the history of the conflict. Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran. That contradiction becomes even sharper when compared with American public opinion. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 48 per cent of Americans believe the Afghanistan war was not worth its toll and 51 per cent say the same about Iraq. Just 25 per cent believe the current Iran conflict has been worth it.

Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.

The Verdict | 25 years after 9/11: America remembers — but has it learned?

The 9/11 terror attacks left thousands dead. 25 years on, the wounds and memories are still fresh. While many lost their lives as the Twin Towers in New York were hit by hijacked planes, there were also several who narrowly escaped the disaster and lived to tell the tale. Missed trains and flights, missed appointments, and other mishaps helped several escape death on that fateful day in September 2001. One such story is of Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. The actor was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. But a last-minute decision saved his life.&nbsp;<h2>Mark Wahlberg narrowly escaped 9/11 attacks</h2>On the day of the attacks, Wahlberg was reportedly scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11- the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;The actor and his friend made a last -minute change in travel plans and decided not to fly to Los Angeles, where was the plane was headed. Instead, Wahlberg attended the Toronto film festival.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/9-11-through-cinema-films-that-remind-you-of-the-deadly-attack-1789113424093">9/11 through cinema: Films that remind you of the deadly attack</a>&nbsp;

File image of Mark Wahlberg

<h2>Wahlberg’s controversial remark years later</h2>While the actor had a narrow escape thanks to a last-minute change of plans, years later, he courted controversy for making a remark about the hijacked plane. “If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did,” Wahlberg told Men’s Journal in an interview some years later. “There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’” The remark did not go down well with most. The actor particularly faced backlash and criticism from victims’ families. After a public outcry, Wahlberg issued a formal apology. He called his comments irresponsible and ridiculous, stating it was wrong to speculate or suggest he would have acted differently than the passengers on board.

Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane to strike the World Trade Center. However, the actor changed his plans at the last minute and thus escaped the horrific tragedy.

The 9/11 terror attacks left thousands dead. 25 years on, the wounds and memories are still fresh. While many lost their lives as the Twin Towers in New York were hit by hijacked planes, there were also several who narrowly escaped the disaster and lived to tell the tale. Missed trains and flights, missed appointments, and other mishaps helped several escape death on that fateful day in September 2001. One such story is of Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. The actor was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. But a last-minute decision saved his life. Mark Wahlberg narrowly escaped 9/11 attacks On the day of the attacks, Wahlberg was reportedly scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11- the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Centre. The actor and his friend made a last -minute change in travel plans and decided not to fly to Los Angeles, where was the plane was headed. Instead, Wahlberg attended the Toronto film festival. Also read: 9/11 through cinema: Films that remind you of the deadly attack

Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane to strike the World Trade Center. However, the actor changed his plans at the last minute and thus escaped the horrific tragedy.

Did you know THIS actor narrowly escaped the 9/11 terror attacks due to a last-minute change of travel plans?

A social media user is doing a minute-by-minute "live coverage" of the 9/11 attacks on the 25th anniversary. @25YearsAgoLive will post updates on X about the event as if unfolding in real time. Manny Marotta has more than 607,000 followers and has decided to do the unthinkable. He will be running a minute-by-minute rehash of live 9/11 reports. The aim is to give the younger people a real feel of how the events unfolded on that day 25 years ago.&nbsp;"There will be an average of two posts a minute between 8:46 and 10:30 [ET]," he wrote. Marotta said he did a lot of research for the project. "I worked very hard to learn the exact minute and, if possible, the precise second that events occurred on 9/11, and I will post at those exact moments. It will be a completely real-time retelling of the day," he said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-town-organises-sep-11-terror-attacks-watch-party-to-refresh-memories-1788935801700">UK town organises Sep 11 terror attacks watch party to 'refresh memories' - ‘A true conspiracy in real time’</a>&nbsp;He has decided again not to use sensitive photos and videos of the tragedy, as he says that would be "disrespectful to the victims." Talking about how he planned it and is ensuring accuracy of data, Marotta said that he "watched 240 hours of video footage", including from "news reporting to on-the-ground stringers to eyewitness testimony to academic documents." He said this will help him create the most accurate possible timeline of the event.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/25-years-of-9-11-attack-the-falling-man-depicts-human-fragility-he-remains-a-mystery-1789114195132">25 years of 9/11 attack: 'The Falling Man' depicts human fragility. He remains a mystery</a>&nbsp;He also got research from people who were "professionally associated with and familiar with the event." He added, “I did my very best to corroborate stories for accuracy and gather every possible detail of the day, and I hope that my work was adequate.”<h2>Is he making money off tragedy?</h2> Marotta clarifies that he won't be making any money from this real-time reporting because he has not applied for X's latest creator monetisation program. He says it is purely a "passion project" because he loves history. He added that he has been "live-posting history for eight years - long before I was ever paid to do so."&nbsp;Marotta says if he somehow still ends up making money from his posts on this day, he would have "ethical qualms." He said that all money he made from 9/11 posts previously has been donated, as it deserves to go to the victims of the tragedy.&nbsp;

25 years of 9/11: A social media user with thousands of followers will provide minute-by-minute real-time updates of the tragedy as it unfolded on September 11, 2001. The aim is to recreate the events to give younger people a sense of what happened on the fateful day. 

A social media user is doing a minute-by-minute "live coverage" of the 9/11 attacks on the 25th anniversary. @25YearsAgoLive will post updates on X about the event as if unfolding in real time. Manny Marotta has more than 607,000 followers and has decided to do the unthinkable. He will be running a minute-by-minute rehash of live 9/11 reports. The aim is to give the younger people a real feel of how the events unfolded on that day 25 years ago. "There will be an average of two posts a minute between 8:46 and 10:30 [ET]," he wrote. Marotta said he did a lot of research for the project. "I worked very hard to learn the exact minute and, if possible, the precise second that events occurred on 9/11, and I will post at those exact moments. It will be a completely real-time retelling of the day," he said. Also Read: UK town organises Sep 11 terror attacks watch party to 'refresh memories' - ‘A true conspiracy in real time’ He has decided again not to use sensitive photos and videos of the tragedy, as he says that would be "disrespectful to the victims." Talking about how he planned it and is ensuring accuracy of data, Marotta said that he "watched 240 hours of video footage", including from "news reporting to on-the-ground stringers to eyewitness testimony to academic documents." He said this will help him create the most accurate possible timeline of the event. Also Read: 25 years of 9/11 attack: 'The Falling Man' depicts human fragility. He remains a mystery He also got research from people who were "professionally associated with and familiar with the event." He added, “I did my very best to corroborate stories for accuracy and gather every possible detail of the day, and I hope that my work was adequate.” Is he making money off tragedy? Marotta clarifies that he won't be making any money from this real-time reporting because he has not applied for X's latest creator monetisation program. He says it is purely a "passion project" because he loves history. He added that he has been "live-posting history for eight years - long before I was ever paid to do so." Marotta says if he somehow still ends up making money from his posts on this day, he would have "ethical qualms." He said that all money he made from 9/11 posts previously has been donated, as it deserves to go to the victims of the tragedy.

25 years of 9/11: A social media user with thousands of followers will provide minute-by-minute real-time updates of the tragedy as it unfolded on September 11, 2001. The aim is to recreate the events to give younger people a sense of what happened on the fateful day.&nbsp;

X user to give minute-by-minute, 'live coverage' of 9/11 attacks 25 years later

It has been 25 years since the 9/11 attack, but the aftermath of the incident still forces all nations to always focus on the security of their major infrastructure, that specially include airports, metro stations, railways and industrial areas. Out of these infrastructures, more focus and tight security come over the airports, as the September 11 attacks, in which four hijacked planes were used as weapons against the United States, left nearly 3,000 dead, sending shockwaves across the globe. Earlier, families could accompany passengers all the way to departure gates as security checks were minimal. Even boarding a plane rarely meant long queues or extensive scrutiny, but things have suddenly changed after this attack. Before 9/11 deadly incident, security at airports was relatively calm, as private contractors handled checks, with limited training and little uniformity in the United States. Earlier, passengers were also allowed to keep shoes on and liquids freely. In addition, cockpit doors were also not reinforced, and in-flight security protocols were very limited. At that time, hijackings were common, as things were resolved through negotiations rather than violence, but it was shocking to witness the idea of weaponisation of the commercial plane.<h3>How did 9/11 change flying forever?</h3>The 9/11 attacks led to a major overhaul in how aviation security was approached. Within weeks, the US Congress set up the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), shifting airport security responsibilities from private contractors to a federal agency, aiming to standardise procedures and tighten controls. Some of the earliest measures introduced included: reinforced cockpit doors to block unauthorised entry, passenger no-fly lists to flag potential security threats, random secondary screenings along with behavioural profiling, and a greater number of armed air marshals stationed on flights.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-twin-towers-reappears-briefly-to-new-york-s-skyline-here-is-how-1789114107944">WATCH | Twin Towers 'reappears' briefly to New York's skyline. Here is how</a> Other than these measures, screening technology has also advanced significantly over the past 25 years, with airports now using CT scanners similar to those found in hospitals. These machines generate detailed, three-dimensional images of luggage, enabling screeners to inspect its contents from various angles. It has also implemented biometric systems, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, which are increasingly used to verify identities. In addition, Artificial intelligence is also being deployed to analyse passenger data and detect suspicious travel patterns. Some airports employ behavioural detection officers, trained to spot nervous or evasive behaviour. While these technologies promise efficiency, they have also sparked debates on privacy and surveillance. Civil liberties groups argue that the balance has tilted heavily toward security at the expense of individual rights.<h3>Major changes in US airport security after 25 years?</h3>While major countries are coming up with different and advanced ways to tighten their security at airports, the US is coming up with a new policy that is restoring some previously banned travel practices after 25 years. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced to allow people without tickets to pass through security and go to airport gates with loved ones. The TSA is also weighing whether to let some US passengers carry full water bottles through security, a move that would reverse a policy put in place after a foiled terror plot in 2006. According to an aviation expert, these changes mark some of the most significant shifts in aviation security in decades and are likely the result of advances in technology rather than any relaxing of safety standards. &nbsp;

Before 9/11 deadly incident, security at airports was relatively calm, as private contractors handled checks, with limited training and little uniformity in the United States. 

It has been 25 years since the 9/11 attack, but the aftermath of the incident still forces all nations to always focus on the security of their major infrastructure, that specially include airports, metro stations, railways and industrial areas. Out of these infrastructures, more focus and tight security come over the airports, as the September 11 attacks, in which four hijacked planes were used as weapons against the United States, left nearly 3,000 dead, sending shockwaves across the globe. Earlier, families could accompany passengers all the way to departure gates as security checks were minimal. Even boarding a plane rarely meant long queues or extensive scrutiny, but things have suddenly changed after this attack. Before 9/11 deadly incident, security at airports was relatively calm, as private contractors handled checks, with limited training and little uniformity in the United States. Earlier, passengers were also allowed to keep shoes on and liquids freely. In addition, cockpit doors were also not reinforced, and in-flight security protocols were very limited. At that time, hijackings were common, as things were resolved through negotiations rather than violence, but it was shocking to witness the idea of weaponisation of the commercial plane. How did 9/11 change flying forever? The 9/11 attacks led to a major overhaul in how aviation security was approached. Within weeks, the US Congress set up the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), shifting airport security responsibilities from private contractors to a federal agency, aiming to standardise procedures and tighten controls. Some of the earliest measures introduced included: reinforced cockpit doors to block unauthorised entry, passenger no-fly lists to flag potential security threats, random secondary screenings along with behavioural profiling, and a greater number of armed air marshals stationed on flights. Also read: WATCH | Twin Towers 'reappears' briefly to New York's skyline. Here is how Other than these measures, screening technology has also advanced significantly over the past 25 years, with airports now using CT scanners similar to those found in hospitals. These machines generate detailed, three-dimensional images of luggage, enabling screeners to inspect its contents from various angles. It has also implemented biometric systems, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, which are increasingly used to verify identities. In addition, Artificial intelligence is also being deployed to analyse passenger data and detect suspicious travel patterns. Some airports employ behavioural detection officers, trained to spot nervous or evasive behaviour. While these technologies promise efficiency, they have also sparked debates on privacy and surveillance. Civil liberties groups argue that the balance has tilted heavily toward security at the expense of individual rights. Major changes in US airport security after 25 years? While major countries are coming up with different and advanced ways to tighten their security at airports, the US is coming up with a new policy that is restoring some previously banned travel practices after 25 years. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced to allow people without tickets to pass through security and go to airport gates with loved ones. The TSA is also weighing whether to let some US passengers carry full water bottles through security, a move that would reverse a policy put in place after a foiled terror plot in 2006. According to an aviation expert, these changes mark some of the most significant shifts in aviation security in decades and are likely the result of advances in technology rather than any relaxing of safety standards.

Before 9/11 deadly incident, security at airports was relatively calm, as private contractors handled checks, with limited training and little uniformity in the United States.&nbsp;

25 years of evolving rules: How 9/11 changed airport security of world forever? EXPLAINED

For a few minutes, the Twin Towers returned to New York’s skyline, not in steel and glass, but in 2,977 individual points of light. On September 9, 2026, thousands of illuminated drones rose above New York Harbor in a special tribute marking 25 years since September 11. Each light represented one of the 2,977 lives lost that day. At first, the drones gathered into a glowing helix, slowly climbing through the night sky. Then, they began moving into formation.&nbsp;Two familiar shapes emerged above the harbor. The Twin Towers. The towers were recreated at the same architectural scale as the originals, creating a powerful visual remembrance of the buildings that once defined the New York skyline. The installation was called ‘2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor’. But the number was not chosen simply to make the display spectacular. The concept was designed to remember the individuals behind the statistic, 2,977 separate lives, families and stories.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-used-claude-ai-for-weapons-development-and-guided-rocket-test-what-anthropic-threat-report-claimed-1789110359900">Houthis used Claude AI for weapons development and guided-rocket test? What Anthropic threat report claimed</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

Families who lost loved ones, survivors and first responders helped shape the project. Among them was retired FDNY responder Tim Brown. For Tim, three particular lights carried the names of friends he had lost. Chris Blackwell of Rescue 3. Terry Hatton of Rescue 1 and Michael Lynch of Ladder 4. All three were his friends.&nbsp;“Three of the 2,977 lights are theirs,” he said. The installation appeared alongside New York’s famous Tribute in Light, offering two very different ways of remembering the same skyline. One uses two enormous beams reaching upward into the night. The other uses thousands of individual points of light to recreate the towers themselves.&nbsp;Together, the displays transformed the harbor into a place of remembrance. For a brief moment, the buildings appeared again, not as they once stood, but as a luminous memorial to the people whose lives were lost on September 11. And for those watching, the message was unmistakable: behind the number 2,977 were 2,977 individual lives that should never be forgotten.

2,977 illuminated drones recreated the Twin Towers above New York Harbor in a powerful September 11 tribute honouring the 2,977 lives lost

For a few minutes, the Twin Towers returned to New York’s skyline, not in steel and glass, but in 2,977 individual points of light. On September 9, 2026, thousands of illuminated drones rose above New York Harbor in a special tribute marking 25 years since September 11. Each light represented one of the 2,977 lives lost that day. At first, the drones gathered into a glowing helix, slowly climbing through the night sky. Then, they began moving into formation. Two familiar shapes emerged above the harbor. The Twin Towers. The towers were recreated at the same architectural scale as the originals, creating a powerful visual remembrance of the buildings that once defined the New York skyline. The installation was called ‘2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor’. But the number was not chosen simply to make the display spectacular. The concept was designed to remember the individuals behind the statistic, 2,977 separate lives, families and stories. Also Read: Houthis used Claude AI for weapons development and guided-rocket test? What Anthropic threat report claimed Watch the video here

2,977 illuminated drones recreated the Twin Towers above New York Harbor in a moving September 11 tribute honouring every life lost

WATCH | Twin Towers 'reappears' briefly to New York's skyline. Here is how

Twenty-five years after 9/11, the deadly attack that rocked the world, and still echoes on screen. Here are the films that made the deadly attack their central theme and captured its horror, heroism and heartbreak most honestly. 

Twenty-five years after 9/11, the deadly attack that rocked the world, and still echoes on screen. Here are the films that made the deadly attack their central theme and captured its horror, heroism and heartbreak most honestly.&nbsp;

9/11 through cinema: Films that remind you of the deadly attack

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, people are reliving the pain and trauma of the tragic event that left nearly 3,000 people dead. Heartbreaking images and visuals of victims who escaped, who tried in vain and others crying on the streets as the towers crumbled defined the shocking incident. One particular photo that caught everyone's attention but was immediately shunned was of the "Flying Man."&nbsp;He was among hundreds of others who jumped from the towers in hopes of surviving after two aeroplanes crashed into each of the towers. Hundreds to 200 people are estimated to have died after jumping or falling from the buildings. The photo was taken by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew at 9:41:15 a.m. on September 11, 2001. The man had jumped from the North Tower.&nbsp;The eerie thing about the photo is how perfectly the man is aligned with the steel bars on the towers in the background. There are no flailing arms or desperate calls, and he appears calm in the moment, as if he has resigned to his destiny. This is why the photo continues to stand out even today, depicting the fragility of being human and the heartbreak of being someone who was in that building on that day.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-town-organises-sep-11-terror-attacks-watch-party-to-refresh-memories-1788935801700">UK town organises Sep 11 terror attacks watch party to 'refresh memories' - ‘A true conspiracy in real time’</a>&nbsp;But when it was published, it did not receive any acceptance. Several newspapers carried it the next day, immediately creating widespread outrage. The media was accused of sensationalising the tragedy, voyeuristic behaviour and disrespecting the victims. Public discontent grew, and every media outlet dropped it and didn't carry it again for years.<h2>Identity of The Falling Man</h2> Despite years of investigation, no one still knows who this person was. Some reports claim that it was Jonathan Briley, a 43-year-old audio technician who worked at the Windows on the World restaurant on the 106th floor. Others say it was Norberto Hernandez, a pastry chef at the same restaurant. Hernandez's brother and sister were shown the photo and thought it could be him. However, other members of the family disagree. He remains a mystery.&nbsp;

The Falling Man is one of the most recognisable photos from the 9/11 terror attacks. A man falling in a perfectly straight position, with one leg slightly folded as if intentionally. His identity remains a mystery till today. 

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, people are reliving the pain and trauma of the tragic event that left nearly 3,000 people dead. Heartbreaking images and visuals of victims who escaped, who tried in vain and others crying on the streets as the towers crumbled defined the shocking incident. One particular photo that caught everyone's attention but was immediately shunned was of the "Flying Man." He was among hundreds of others who jumped from the towers in hopes of surviving after two aeroplanes crashed into each of the towers. Hundreds to 200 people are estimated to have died after jumping or falling from the buildings. The photo was taken by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew at 9:41:15 a.m. on September 11, 2001. The man had jumped from the North Tower. The eerie thing about the photo is how perfectly the man is aligned with the steel bars on the towers in the background. There are no flailing arms or desperate calls, and he appears calm in the moment, as if he has resigned to his destiny. This is why the photo continues to stand out even today, depicting the fragility of being human and the heartbreak of being someone who was in that building on that day. Also Read: UK town organises Sep 11 terror attacks watch party to 'refresh memories' - ‘A true conspiracy in real time’ But when it was published, it did not receive any acceptance. Several newspapers carried it the next day, immediately creating widespread outrage. The media was accused of sensationalising the tragedy, voyeuristic behaviour and disrespecting the victims. Public discontent grew, and every media outlet dropped it and didn't carry it again for years. Identity of The Falling Man Despite years of investigation, no one still knows who this person was. Some reports claim that it was Jonathan Briley, a 43-year-old audio technician who worked at the Windows on the World restaurant on the 106th floor. Others say it was Norberto Hernandez, a pastry chef at the same restaurant. Hernandez's brother and sister were shown the photo and thought it could be him. However, other members of the family disagree. He remains a mystery.

The Falling Man is one of the most recognisable photos from the 9/11 terror attacks. A man falling in a perfectly straight position, with one leg slightly folded as if intentionally. His identity remains a mystery till today.&nbsp;

25 years of 9/11 attack: 'The Falling Man' depicts human fragility. He remains a mystery

Terror group Al-Qaeda, released a video of its elusive leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was rumoured to be dead on the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks on US soil.

Al-Qaeda releases a new video of Zawahiri on 20th anniversary of 9/11 amid rumours he is dead

- 4 hijacked commercial planes - 3 high profile Targets - Thousands of deaths - Countless lives affected - After 4 crashes, blaze, smoke, ashes & wreckage - The iconic twin towers were gone. - 9/11 changed the world forever All in a span of 180 minutes

The 9/11 terror attacks: 3 hours that changed the world

America is paying tribute to those who were killed on 11 September 2001. 20 years ago the United States witnessed the worst terrorist attack on its soil. Three planes crashed into landmark American buildings. The fourth hijacked plane was bravely diverted by the people on board crashing into an abandoned stripmine in Pennsylvania. That day, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

America remembers 9/11 on 20th anniversary

US Vice President Kamala Harris has paid tribute to all passengers and crew members on board Flight 93 who died when the flight crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

9/11 Attack Anniversary: US Vice President Kamala Harris pays tribute to those on Flight 93

In 2001, George W. Bush had declared: "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists." 20 years later, America's war on terrorism has ended in crushing defeat. The Taliban is announcing its win - by going after rivals and threatening women. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: 20 years after 9/11: Here is how the Taliban is celebrating its victory

Families of the nearly 3,000 people who died on September 11 are gathering at memorial events in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC to mark the 20th anniversary of the horrific attack.

US: Memorial service in remembrance of 9/11 terror attack victims

September 11 marks the 20th year of the deadly 9/11 attacks in the US. Here are glimpses of some of the commemoration ceremonies.

US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack

September 11 is the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, with commemoration ceremonies being held in New York, Pennsylvania and near Washington. In 2001, Justin Tirelli, fire and emergency medical services captain at the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia, had been on the job only a few months. On September 11th, he was called to work after a plane crashed into the Pentagon. WION-VOA co-production brings you this report.

September 11, 2001: A turning point in American history

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircraft struck the famous World Trade Center. Now, two decades later, the fear caused by those horrifying attacks still continues to haunt several people living in the US, a study claims.

How 9/11 Permanently Altered Lives of Americans

After announcing the new Afghanistan government, the Taliban will reportedly hold an oath taking ceremony on September 11- the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US.

Reports: Taliban led govt in Afghanistan to hold oath taking ceremony on 9/11 anniversary

In this report, meet with a pair of some of the most extraordinary and often overlooked first responders of the 9/11 attacks. Those who helped retrieve wallets, identity cards, and other personal belongings.

The 9/11 Responders: Arborists recall the events 20 years later

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. It was the first time when many even heard of Al-Qaeda. The group is now congratulating the Taliban over Afghanistan takeover. Take a look at the Taliban's relationship with its long-time ally, Al-Qaeda.

20 years after 9/11, will Al-Qaeda rise again?

Just days before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the trial into the terror attack still remains in the pretrial phase. The prosecution of the alleged mastermind and four others restarts Tuesday, stirring new hopes for justice and retribution.

Pretrial hearings for alleged 9/11 terrorist attack plotters restarts

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

Your Story: What happened on 11 September, 2001?

Your Story: How 9/11 attack changed America?

The U.S. President Donald Trump observance the moment of silence at the anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Trump gives a tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks at the White House. 3,000 people were killed during the attack on Sept 11 in 2001. WION speaks to Nick Harper, WION Correspondent from New York for more on this.

WION Dispatch: Tribute to 9/11 terror attack victims at White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-hit-pause-to-mark-september-11-attacks-248978">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;activists</a> called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on&nbsp;September&nbsp;11," the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11&nbsp;terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires."

The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in their online chat rooms".

The former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub.

China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

"We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post.

"The state media doesn’t care about its credibility.

Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away."

The&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said.

"They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move."

&nbsp;

FAMILY FRICTIONS

The chairwoman of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism.

"Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;was grappling with significant challenges.

"My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," she told business leaders.

The Basic Law is&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's mini-constitution.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests.

Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in August fell 38 per cent&nbsp;and outbound traffic 12 per cent&nbsp;compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate&nbsp;September&nbsp;to be any less difficult.

Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle.

"I hope one day not only&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said.

The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone. "Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York. "The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires." The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms". The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. "We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post. "The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away." The protesters called off action on Wednesday. "In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement. The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said. "They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move." FAMILY FRICTIONS The chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism. "Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that Hong Kong was grappling with significant challenges. "My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of Hong Kong," she told business leaders. The Basic Law is Hong Kong's mini-constitution. Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests. Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to Hong Kong in August fell 38 per cent and outbound traffic 12 per cent compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate September to be any less difficult. Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in Hong Kong to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle. "I hope one day not only Hong Kong people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said. The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran. Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong protesters hit pause in memory of September 11

Alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-911-victim-compensation-fund-bill-into-law-for-first-responders-239332">9/11</a> plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others held at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp will finally go on trial in 2021, almost two decades after the devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-passes-911-victim-fund-sends-it-to-president-donald-trump-238095">Al-Qaeda attack</a>, the New York Times reported Friday.

A military judge at the US Navy's Guantanamo, Cuba base set the date for the death-penalty trial for January 11, 2021, according to the newspaper.

The date was included in a scheduling order for pre-trial activities by the military judge, Colonel Shane Cohen, the Times said.

Watch: Taliban provokes America, justifies 9/11 attack

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The five will be the first to go on trial in the military commissions established to handle the "War on Terror" detainees captured and sent to Guantanamo after September 11, 2001 attacks that left 2,976 people dead in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi were accused of planning and participating in the plot hatched by Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to hijack four airliners and crash them into New York's World Trade Center and buildings in Washington.

Two of the planes struck the World Trade Center, another hit the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers, having learned of the other flights, fought the hijackers.&nbsp;

The five were formally charged in 2012 with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law of war, aircraft hijacking and terrorism.

Mohammed, a Pakistan native thought to be about 54, is a key figure in the trial: he has been accused of being the mastermind of the 9/11 plot.

He was captured in Pakistan in 2003. Turned over to the US Central Intelligence Agency, he underwent severe torture, including repeated waterboarding, as US officials sought to learn more about the plot and Al-Qaeda.

Alleged 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others held at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp will finally go on trial in 2021, almost two decades after the devastating Al-Qaeda attack, the New York Times reported Friday.

Alleged 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others held at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp will finally go on trial in 2021, almost two decades after the devastating Al-Qaeda attack, the New York Times reported Friday. A military judge at the US Navy's Guantanamo, Cuba base set the date for the death-penalty trial for January 11, 2021, according to the newspaper. The date was included in a scheduling order for pre-trial activities by the military judge, Colonel Shane Cohen, the Times said. Watch: Taliban provokes America, justifies 9/11 attack × The five will be the first to go on trial in the military commissions established to handle the "War on Terror" detainees captured and sent to Guantanamo after September 11, 2001 attacks that left 2,976 people dead in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi were accused of planning and participating in the plot hatched by Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to hijack four airliners and crash them into New York's World Trade Center and buildings in Washington. Two of the planes struck the World Trade Center, another hit the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers, having learned of the other flights, fought the hijackers. The five were formally charged in 2012 with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law of war, aircraft hijacking and terrorism. Mohammed, a Pakistan native thought to be about 54, is a key figure in the trial: he has been accused of being the mastermind of the 9/11 plot. He was captured in Pakistan in 2003. Turned over to the US Central Intelligence Agency, he underwent severe torture, including repeated waterboarding, as US officials sought to learn more about the plot and Al-Qaeda.

Trial for alleged 9/11 terror attack mastermind Pakistani national Khalid Sheikh Mohammad set for January 2021

3 World Trade Center opened today at the site of twin towers at Ground Zero at lower Manhattan in New York. The new tower came up at the site of the twin towers which was destroyed during the 9/11 terror attack in 2001.

It is the fifth tallet skyscapper in the US with 88 floors a total floor space of 232,000 sq. meters and 1,40,000 stores. However, most of the tower will remain empty for a while with several companies who have signed-up to the tower can move in not before 2019.

The tower promises to have over 6,000 tenants. The skyscraper which stands at 1,080 feet was the brainchild of architect Richard Rogers took eight years to build.

Located on the eastern side of the World Trade Centre it took over 4,000 workers to build the mammoth tower which was stuck in years of litigation.

The $2.7 billion state of the art tower boasts of sleek interiors with glass panels decked with graffiti and artistic representation.

The tower promises to have over 6,000 tenants.

3 World Trade Center opened today at the site of twin towers at Ground Zero at lower Manhattan in New York. The new tower came up at the site of the twin towers which was destroyed during the 9/11 terror attack in 2001. It is the fifth tallet skyscapper in the US with 88 floors a total floor space of 232,000 sq. meters and 1,40,000 stores. However, most of the tower will remain empty for a while with several companies who have signed-up to the tower can move in not before 2019. The tower promises to have over 6,000 tenants. The skyscraper which stands at 1,080 feet was the brainchild of architect Richard Rogers took eight years to build. Located on the eastern side of the World Trade Centre it took over 4,000 workers to build the mammoth tower which was stuck in years of litigation. The $2.7 billion state of the art tower boasts of sleek interiors with glass panels decked with graffiti and artistic representation.

Watch: 3 World Trade Center opens at Ground Zero