Mapping the Events Leading to 9/11 – September 3, 2001

In a detailed recount of the events leading to 9/11, this series revisits pivotal moments from 25 years ago, capturing the actions and thoughts of those involved.

Mohammed Atta’s Instructions

Yesterday, Mohammed Atta instructed his fellow hijackers with the words, “Smile in the face of doom, young man, for you are passing to the gardens of eternity.” This guidance reflected their mindset as they approached their mission.

Marwan Al-Shehhi’s Preparations

On September 3, 2001, Marwan Al-Shehhi visited a Walmart in Pompano Beach, Florida. He purchased a toggle switch, gel mate, auto tape, and a 9-volt battery. These items were likely used to create a device mimicking a bomb. This was intended to intimidate passengers on United Airlines Flight 175, his scheduled flight.

The Impact on Passengers

During the flight on 9/11, at 9:00 a.m., Peter Hanson, a passenger, called his father. In distress, he described the situation: a stewardess had been stabbed, and hijackers claimed they had a bomb. Hanson expressed concerns that the plane was behaving erratically and passengers were ill. He speculated about a hijacked plan to crash into a building.

Actions on Other Flights

On American Airlines Flight 11, hijackers led by Mohammed Atta used Mace or a similar substance to move passengers to the back. They also claimed to have a bomb, although no evidence of even fake bomb components like those al-Shehhi assembled was found. Flight 77, headed for the Pentagon, did not have reports of a bomb or Mace from any callers. On United Flight 93, Ziad Jarrah announced a bomb threat at 9:32 a.m., but no bomb was present.

Findings of the 9/11 Commission

The 9/11 Commission would later state that the FBI detected no explosives at the crash sites. A passenger, likely Hanson, believed the bomb threat was a bluff. The absence of evidence suggested the bombs were not real, according to the Commission.

The series continues tomorrow with insights into terrorism staffer Richard Clarke’s urgent warning and his concerns about bureaucratic hurdles.