Timeline for September following the September 11 attacks

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Timeline for September following the September 11 attacks, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 7 August 2025

The September 11 attacks in 2001 left a significant and enduring effect that extended well beyond the initial events. This article provides an overview of occurrences in the immediate aftermath. Due to extensive media attention, numerous developments were reported swiftly.

All times indicated are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), or UTC−04:00, unless specified otherwise.

Tuesday, September 11

According to reports from CBS and CNN, authorities intercepted a van carrying explosives on the George Washington Bridge. New Jersey law enforcement officials asserted the vehicle contained enough explosives to demolish the bridge; however, the FBI refuted these claims.

Wednesday, September 12

2:30 a.m.: Allegedly, three Israeli men were detained for purportedly celebrating the attacks; no explosives were discovered.
Prior to 3:15 a.m.: The Boston Herald named at least five Arab individuals as suspects, including two siblings and a licensed pilot, with passports linked to the United Arab Emirates. A rental car from Portland, Maine was found containing Arabic flight manuals. The FBI neither confirmed nor denied these reports.
Before 3:50 a.m.: The Jerusalem Post conveyed that Osama bin Laden denied any involvement while praising the attacks.
4:35 a.m.: CNN announced that search warrants had been issued in southern Florida, based on passenger lists from hijacked planes.
After 7:00 a.m.: Officer John McLoughlin of the PAPD was rescued alive from debris at the World Trade Center site.
10:00 a.m.: The United States Congress reconvened.
10:53 a.m.: President George W. Bush convened a cabinet meeting, describing the attacks as "acts of war," and subsequently visited the Pentagon to oversee recovery operations.
Around 12:30 p.m.: Genelle Guzman-McMillan was extracted alive from the North Tower rubble; she was the final survivor recovered.
Approximately 1:10 p.m.: FBI agents conducted a raid at Boston's Westin Hotels & Resorts, detaining three individuals and investigating a suspicious package.
3:58 p.m.: The FBI declared there was evidence indicating both the White House and Air Force One had been targeted; this assertion was later withdrawn.
5:00 p.m.: Attorney General John Ashcroft confirmed that some hijackers had received pilot training within the United States.
7:00 p.m.: Candlelight vigils were held throughout New York City and across the country.
Late evening: The Chicago Tribune reported an anti-Arab demonstration near a mosque in Bridgeview, Illinois, which led to three arrests.

Thursday, September 13

Select commercial flights recommenced, and multiple airports reopened while adhering to stringent FAA security measures.
Prior to 1:00 a.m.: German authorities conducted a raid on a Hamburg apartment, reportedly prompted by the FBI, connected to individuals on the airline passenger list under suspicion. Two individuals were initially detained, later released, and reportedly taken into custody again toward the end of 2002.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) declared its cooperation with the FBI, which was leading the inquiry.
Between 4:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.: Ten individuals were held at New York area airports for suspicious conduct, including boarding aircraft using false identities and attempting to carry weapons through security checkpoints. None were found to be involved in hijacking schemes.
At 4:20 p.m., the flight data recorder from United Airlines Flight 93 was successfully retrieved.
It was announced that Ahmed Shah Massoud, commander of the Northern Alliance forces, succumbed to injuries sustained in a Taliban suicide bombing on September 9.
By directive of Queen Elizabeth II, the 'Star-Spangled Banner' was performed during Buckingham Palace’s changing of the guard ceremony—marking an unprecedented honor outside of an official state visit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a moment of silence nationwide and instructed flags to be flown at half-mast in remembrance of those lost.
At 8:00 p.m., the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) aired a special live edition of WWF SmackDown! from Houston, Texas, dedicated to honoring victims and first responders. This event represented the first significant public gathering and televised program since September 11, with all ongoing storylines paused for tributes.

Friday, September 14

The National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

Globally held church and memorial services took place, including one in London attended by Queen Elizabeth II alongside approximately 1,500 mourners. Across Europe, a three-minute silence was observed at noon Paris time. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed at prominent locations such as the Brandenburg Gate, Edinburgh, Paris, and Ottawa. Ireland and South Korea declared national days of mourning; Ireland closed schools, businesses, and shops as part of its observance.
The New York City Office of Emergency Management established an Emergency Operations Center at Pier 92 after a continuous 32-hour setup period to replace its destroyed facility at 7 World Trade Center.
The U.S. Department of Defense revised its count of missing personnel to 125—comprising 74 Army members, 42 Navy personnel, and 9 Defense agency employees. An earlier tally had mistakenly included one DoD employee aboard American Airlines Flight 77.
Major package carriers UPS and Federal Express resumed their delivery services.
Nine out of ten detainees held at New York airports were released; one individual remained under immigration review. Officials clarified that a person suspected of possessing a fraudulent pilot certificate was actually a licensed pilot carrying documents associated with individuals suspected in the hijackings.
Both flight data recorders from American Airlines Flight 77 were recovered by Pentagon teams.
The FBI publicly disclosed the identities of the 19 suspected hijackers.
Arrests took place in the Netherlands and Belgium; investigations extended to searches in the Philippines and aboard a cruise ship off Florida’s coast, although connections to the attacks remained uncertain.
At noon, a service led by Rev. Billy Graham at Washington National Cathedral featured President George W. Bush along with senior government officials. President Bush stated, "We are here in the middle hour of our grief." In Canada, over 100,000 people gathered for a memorial event on Parliament Hill attended by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other officials.
At 2:15 p.m., Secretary of State Colin Powell conducted a press conference.
At 3:40 p.m., President Bush arrived in New York City and delivered his "Bullhorn Address" at Ground Zero.
At 8:30 p.m., the cockpit voice recorder from United Airlines Flight 93 was recovered approximately twenty-five feet below ground level.

Saturday, September 15

The Department of Defense officially announces the death of Aerographer's Mate First Class Edward Thomas Earhart, aged 26, from Salt Lick, Kentucky. Herbert W. Homer, a civilian employee with the Defense Contract Management Agency, was incorrectly reported as missing; he was actually aboard United Airlines Flight 175.
By 8:00 AM, authorities in New York cease requests for emergency supply donations.
At approximately 2:30 PM, Iran declares the closure of its border with Afghanistan.
By 2:30 PM, the number of missing persons in New York City reaches 4,972, with over 150 bodies recovered and 92 identified.
By the same time, the Pentagon’s death toll climbs to 189, including 64 fatalities from the plane crash.
Around 3:00 PM, funeral services are conducted for Rev. Mychal Judge and Fire Chief Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Following these ceremonies, Mayor Rudy Giuliani deviates from his usual stance by making public remarks that underscore the city’s central role in recovery efforts.
By 3:00 PM, the New York Stock Exchange completes a successful test of its planned 9:30 AM EDT reopening.
Also by 3:00 PM, Colin Powell announces that both Pakistan and Iran have shut their borders with Afghanistan. Under significant pressure from the Bush administration, Pakistan consents to function as a logistical base for U.S. military operations.
In the afternoon, four attackers, including Francisco Roque, assault a Chevron gas station in Mesa, Arizona. They kill Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh businessman who may have been targeted due to his turban being mistaken for Arab attire. Roque is later sentenced to death, which is subsequently commuted to life imprisonment.
During the afternoon, Adel Karas, an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian grocer located in San Gabriel, California, is fatally shot inside his store.
At 11:05 PM, Waqar Hasan, a Pakistani immigrant and Dallas businessman, is murdered in his shop—possibly targeted because of his turban. Subsequently, Congress enacts a private bill granting permanent residency status to his family.

Sunday, September 16

The NFL cancels all weekend games and reschedules them for the week following the originally scheduled conclusion of the regular season, resulting in delays to both the playoffs and Super Bowl XXXVI.
NASCAR postpones the 2001 New Hampshire 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway until after Thanksgiving Day. Support races are canceled outright, and a Craftsman Truck Series event at Texas Motor Speedway is deferred to October.
Australia conducts a national day of mourning for those lost on September 11, as declared by Prime Minister John Howard, who was present in Washington during the attacks.
The Department of Defense provides updated figures on Pentagon casualties: Commander Dan Frederic Shanower, age 40 from Naperville, Illinois, is confirmed deceased. The total number of dead or missing at the Pentagon remains at 124, excluding the 64 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 77. Eighty-eight recovered remains have been transported to Dover Air Force Base for identification processes.
Pedestrian access reopens in Lower Manhattan east of Broadway.
Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees attempt to cross into Iran and Pakistan despite closed borders amid ongoing conflict; delivery of food and humanitarian aid is suspended.
A 20-year-old Saudi student in Boston is attacked and stabbed by assailants shouting anti-Arab slurs as he leaves a nightclub.

Monday, September 17

The United States insists that Pakistan shut its borders to Afghan refugees, a directive that Pakistan promptly follows.
Play resumes in Major League Baseball, featuring Jack Buck’s poem "For America" alongside an address reinforcing national determination.
According to the Department of Defense (DoD), 9 employees and 2 passengers have been accounted for, while 124 employees remain unlocated. So far, 97 sets of remains have been recovered and transported to Dover Air Force Base for identification, with eleven positively identified. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Afghan Northern Alliance pledges between 15,000 and 30,000 troops to assist in assaults against the Taliban.
6:00 AM The Staten Island Ferry service resumes; additionally, a new ferry route begins operating in Brooklyn.
8:30 AM The US Federal Reserve reduces the prime interest rate by half a percentage point to 3%.
9:30 AM After the longest shutdown in its history, the New York Stock Exchange, Mercantile Exchange, and NASDAQ reopen, starting with two minutes of silence before markets experience a sharp decline.
11:08 AM The World Bank and IMF announce the cancellation of their annual meeting planned for late September in Washington, D.C.
4:00 PM The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes down by 684.81 points (7.13%) amid heavy trading volumes; the NASDAQ falls 6.84%, and the S&P 500 decreases by 4.93%. Airline stocks drop more than 40%, while shares in military contractors, savings and loans institutions, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical companies rise. Financial services and travel industries also suffer significant losses.
4:00 PM EDT: Rudy Giuliani reports that 5,422 individuals remain missing, with 201 confirmed fatalities and 135 identified victims. New York City experiences a 34% reduction in crime compared to the same period last year; debris removal has reached 40,000 tons.
Islamic leaders gather in Afghanistan to formulate their response to the U.S. ultimatum.
The Hezbollah-affiliated satellite channel Al-Manar broadcasts an unfounded assertion blaming Israeli intelligence agencies for the attacks—this claim evolves into a widely circulated conspiracy theory.
Television personalities David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Conan O'Brien return to their shows offering personal insights on the attacks; Jon Stewart resumes three nights later.
Senator John McCain pays tribute to passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, including Mark Bingham, Todd Beamer, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick, who prevented hijackers from reaching their intended target at the United States Capitol.

Tuesday, September 18

12:30 PM Rudy Giuliani holds a press conference reporting that 49,553 tons of debris have been transported to the Fresh Kills Landfill via 3,788 trucks. Confirmed deaths total 218, with 152 identified victims, including 37 officers and firefighters from multiple departments.
2:30 PM At a press briefing, Ari Fleischer states that U.S. efforts will focus on combating terrorism that directly threatens the United States.
2:50 PM US Attorney General John Ashcroft announces that authorities have received 96,000 tips; investigations suggest more than four aircraft may have been targeted for hijacking. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) now has up to 48 hours—extendable indefinitely during emergencies—to determine charges, allowing for indefinite detention of 75 individuals connected to the inquiry. Permanent counterterrorism task forces will be established to coordinate local and federal law enforcement with intelligence agencies.
In Karachi, Pakistan, over 5,000 radical Islamist students stage protests against potential U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan. Police block access to the U.S. consulate as demonstrators burn an effigy of President George W. Bush.
A large candlelight vigil is held in Tehran, Iran, mourning American casualties.

Wednesday, September 19

The Department of Defense mobilizes more than 100 combat aircraft—including fighters, bombers, and support planes—to bases located in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, three aircraft carrier strike groups are set to become operational near West Asia shortly.
2:20 PM Press conference with Rudy Giuliani and George Pataki: Two lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge are scheduled to reopen on Thursday. Authorities are releasing 5.5 million square feet (511,000 m²) of property for commercial utilization. The Department of Labor is providing family grants up to $14,000; meanwhile, the State Health Department allocates $60 million to hospitals in New York City. A business assistance center has handled 5,000 calls and welcomed 700 visitors. Battery Park North and South are anticipated to open soon. A prayer service on September 23 at Yankee Stadium will be ticketed for families and uniformed personnel and broadcast simultaneously at other venues; the Central Park memorial event has been postponed.
4:00 PM, The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes down by 144.27 points (1.62%) at 8,759.13 after earlier plunging over 420 points during the session; other market indices also experienced comparable declines.

Thursday, September 20

Stock markets continue their steep downturn.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf calls for backing the U.S. by permitting overflights and sharing intelligence, warning of "very grave consequences" should Pakistan fail to cooperate.
Forty U.S. Senators arrive in New York City to witness rescue and recovery operations firsthand.
The official tally of missing individuals at the WTC sharply increases to 6,333, reflecting reports from international sources.
President Bush addresses a joint session of Congress with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Rudy Giuliani, and Governor Pataki in attendance. He proclaims a war on terrorism, urging nations to choose between being "with us or with the terrorists." He confines the enemy to terrorist organizations with global reach and issues five non-negotiable demands to the Taliban, including shutting down terrorist camps and surrendering al-Qaeda leaders. Bush announces the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and appoints Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge as its director. His remarks receive frequent applause.
Islamic clerics in Afghanistan advise Taliban leader Mohammad Shah to request that Osama bin Laden voluntarily leave Afghanistan.
The New York Philharmonic performs a memorial concert featuring Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem at Avery Fisher Hall. The event begins with the national anthem and displays a historic World War II flag used in past concerts. All proceeds are dedicated to disaster relief efforts; applause is withheld as attendees exit quietly.

Friday, September 21

1:15 AM BST Rising racial tensions emerge in Peterborough, England, following the murder of seventeen-year-old Ross Parker by a group of up to ten Muslims of Pakistani descent targeting a white male. In December 2002, Shaied Nazir, Ahmed Ali Awan, and Sarfraz Ali received life sentences for this racially motivated killing.
4:00 AM The final draft of an airline aid bill is completed.
Congress passes legislation aimed at supporting the airline sector and creating a federal victim compensation fund estimated to cost approximately $15 billion. Notably, victims from previous terrorist attacks linked to al-Qaida are excluded from this fund.
Armed conflict breaks out in Afghanistan between the Northern Alliance and Taliban forces.
Afghanistan declares its willingness to extradite Osama bin Laden only if presented with evidence; however, the United States insists it will not negotiate and refuses to provide the requested proof.
Tens of thousands rally in Pakistan opposing government cooperation with the U.S.; one fatality and three injuries are reported.
The official count of missing persons at the WTC fluctuates between 6,300 and 6,500 individuals from over 60 nations.
Stock markets persist in their sharp declines; the United States endures its worst weekly performance since the 1930s.
A two-hour live telethon titled America: A Tribute to Heroes, featuring leading American artists, is broadcast simultaneously across nearly all major networks.
Yemeni-American Ali M. Al-Mansoob (also known as Ali Al Mansouri), aged 44, is fatally shot twelve times in Detroit by an individual reportedly enraged by the terrorist attacks.
In New York City's first significant sporting event following the attacks, held at Shea Stadium, Mike Piazza delivers a two-run home run that secures a 3–2 victory for the New York Mets over the Atlanta Braves.

Saturday, September 22

The United Arab Emirates, previously among the few nations acknowledging the Taliban as Afghanistan's official government, withdraws its recognition.
American relief organizations receive donations totaling several hundred million dollars.
The United States restructures Pakistan's debt and removes sanctions in return for Pakistan’s collaboration in the "war on terror."

Sunday, September 23

The confirmed death toll at the World Trade Center reaches 261, with 194 victims identified; 6,453 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The Taliban assert they are unable to find Osama bin Laden to request his voluntary departure.
A U.S. unmanned reconnaissance aircraft is downed by the Taliban.
NFL games recommence.
An interfaith remembrance event titled "Prayer for America" takes place at Yankee Stadium.
At the MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400 held at Dover International Speedway, drivers sport paint schemes featuring American flags. Security measures are intensified, coordinated by a nearby military installation. Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins and celebrates by waving an American flag out of his car window during Lee Greenwood’s "God Bless the USA."

Week of Monday, September 24

U.S. stock markets experience a moderate recovery.
Over 100,000 tons of debris have been cleared from the World Trade Center site; remains of many victims are not expected to be found.
The U.S. intends to present evidence connecting Osama bin Laden to certain coalition governments.
Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan are severed.
Hundreds are arrested or detained across the U.S. and European Union amid ongoing investigations.
Legislative discussions advance regarding what will become the USA PATRIOT Act, proposing enhanced surveillance capabilities and inter-agency communication for intelligence and law enforcement, sparking debates about civil liberties and government transparency in the U.S.
The United Nations issues warnings of a looming humanitarian crisis if 1.5 million Afghan refugees do not receive adequate shelter or food aid within weeks; all borders remain closed, though Pakistan may increase refugee intake despite already hosting two million from previous conflicts.
The U.S. discloses recent operations by special forces in Afghanistan.

Monday, September 24

The official World Trade Center death toll rises to 276, with 206 identified; 6,453 remain officially missing.
After dropping more than 1,300 points the previous week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average records its eighth-largest single-day gain ever, climbing 368.05 points to close at 8,603.86.
About 95% of wreckage from United Airlines Flight 93 is recovered; approximately 80% remains in the impact crater, which is then filled in.
Fierce fighting continues between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban, while Russia pledges additional support to the Northern Alliance.

Tuesday, September 25

The World Trade Center death count increases to 279, with 209 identified; missing persons decrease slightly to 6,398.
The U.S. freezes assets of numerous terrorist organizations connected to ongoing operations, expanding beyond previously designated groups. Prominent entities include Al-Qaida, Abu Sayyaf Group, Armed Islamic Group (GIA), and Egyptian Islamic Jihad, among others linked to international terrorism networks.
The FBI investigates more than 90 reported hate crimes related to the September 11 attacks.

Wednesday, September 26

At the World Trade Center site, the confirmed death toll reaches 300, with 232 victims identified. The number of individuals still unaccounted for stands at 6,347.
In Lisbon, Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat convene and agree to work toward establishing a more lasting ceasefire.
Jesse Jackson announces he has been invited by the Taliban to participate in a peace delegation to Afghanistan; while the Taliban neither confirm nor deny the invitation, they express a welcoming attitude toward his visit. The U.S. government opposes the trip but does not prevent it.

Thursday, September 27

The official death toll at the World Trade Center site increases to 305, with 238 individuals identified. The count of missing persons decreases to 5,960.
The FBI publishes photographs of all 19 hijackers, including details about their possible nationalities and known aliases.

Friday, September 28

The official number of bodies recovered at the World Trade Center remains at 306, with no additional identifications made. The missing persons count holds steady at 5,960.
The FBI releases a four-page handwritten letter linked to the hijackers that has not been translated. This letter was discovered at Dulles Airport, the Pennsylvania crash location, and inside Mohamed Atta’s suitcase. It contains Islamic prayers, final instructions for the mission, and a practical checklist underscoring dedication and operational specifics.

Saturday, September 29

The total of bodies recovered at the World Trade Center site rises to 309, with 248 identified. The official number of missing persons is now 5,641.
Al Gore delivers his most prominent speech since the presidential election, expressing support for President Bush and highlighting bipartisan solidarity following the attacks.
Thousands take part in the inaugural demonstration organized by the ANSWER Coalition, which will grow into a significant force in the post-9/11 anti-war movement, mobilizing millions against military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sunday, September 30

The official death toll at the World Trade Center climbs to 314, with 255 identified victims. The missing persons count rises slightly to 5,657.
Senator Chuck Schumer suggests that Super Bowl XXXVI be held at Giants Stadium.
Taliban envoy Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef confirms that Osama bin Laden is under Taliban protection in Afghanistan. He acknowledges recent support from ulema, declines voluntary departure from power, and indicates willingness to engage in U.S. negotiations if proof links bin Laden to the September 11 attacks. U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft expresses doubt and frustration regarding the Taliban’s position.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair declares he has reviewed "incontrovertible evidence" connecting Osama bin Laden to the terrorist attacks.

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