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9/11 Timeline - General Overivew

This page contains entries taken from a more comprehensive timeline I've compiled. The entries below represent to me the most significant events regarding 9/11 (before, during and after the attacks). This is a general "overview," so to speak. There are many other entries not included.

  • December 8, 1979: Soviet forces invade Afghanistan
  • August 11–20, 1988: Bin Laden forms al-Qaeda
  • November 24, 1989: Bin Laden's mentor assassinated
  • November 5, 1990: First bin Laden-related terror attack in U.S.as Jewish rabbi is assassinated
  • November 5, 1990 and After: U.S. promotes scenario gunman acted alone in Kahane assassination, missing evidence of al-Qaeda links
  • July 5, 1991: Criminal BCCI bank is shut down
  • December 7, 1991: Nosair convicted of firearms offenses but acquitted of killing Meir Kahane as U.S. still fails to examine evidence indicating wider plot
  • June 4, 1992: FBI investigates ties between George W. Bush and Saudi money
  • September 1, 1992: U.S. misses opportunity to stop World Trade Center bombing and discover al-Qaeda
  • December 29, 1992: Islamic militants attack hotels in Yemen, killing two
  • January 7–13, 1993: FBI cancels monitored meetings that could expose World Trade Center bomb plot
  • February 26, 1993: World Trade Center is bombed, killing six, but does not collapse as bombers had hoped
  • March 20, 1993: FBI connects Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to World Trade Center bombing
  • March 22–29, 1993: Hearings held to discuss World Trade Center bombing and continuing terrorist threat
  • March 29, 1993: Former Port Authority director recommends that New York agencies prepare for a plane hitting the World Trade Center
  • June 16, 1993–February 1998: Canadian intelligence takes no known action against al-Qaeda sleeper cell in Vancouver
  • June 24, 1993: New York "landmarks" bombing plot is foiled
  • October 3–4, 1993: Al-Qaeda-trained militants in Somalia kill 18 U.S. soldiers
  • December 12, 1994: Ramzi Yousef bombs plane as part of Operation Bojinka trial run; credit given to Philippine militant group
  • December 16, 1994: Al-Qaeda founding member arrested in U.S. then let go
  • December 16, 1994–May 1995: Osama's brother-in-law Khalifa is arrested in U.S.
  • December 24, 1994: Al-Qaeda-connected militants attempt to crash passenger jet into Eiffel Tower
  • January 6, 1995: Pope assassination and Bojinka plot to bomb dozen airplanes is foiled
  • January 7–11, 1995: "Intelligence gold mine" leads to two more arrests
  • January 20, 1995: Details of Bojinka second wave revealed to investigators
  • February 7, 1995: Ramzi Yousef is arrested in Pakistan
  • January 5, 1996: British newspaper links bin Laden to 1995 wave of militant attacks in France
  • March 26–May 21, 1996: French monks in Algeria kidnapped and killed by Algerian intelligence working with compromised Islamic militants
  • June 25, 1996: Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia are bombed; unclear who the culprit is
  • February 7–21, 1997: Monitored calls of al-Qaeda operatives in Kenya indicate one of them is meeting bin Laden in Afghanistan
  • July 31, 1997: Islamic extremist suicide attack in New York City narrowly averted
  • November 18, 1997: Tourists massacred in Egypt; al-Qaeda leaders alleged to be involved
  • January 8, 1998: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed revealed as major al-Qaeda operative at Yousef sentencing
  • February 5, 1998: U.S. rejects Sudanese al-Qaeda files that could stop embassy bombings
  • February 22, 1998: Bin Laden expands religious edict against U.S. and allies
  • May 26, 1998: Bin Laden promises to bring jihad to U.S.
  • May 28, 1998: Bin Laden wants to use missiles against U.S. aircraft; possibly given doctored phone battery
  • August 4–25, 1998: Embassy bomber's arrest points to vital al-Qaeda communications hub
  • August 5–7, 1998: Canadian intelligence misses chance to give warning about African embassy bombings
  • 10:35 a.m.–10:39 a.m. August 7, 1998: Al-Qaeda bombs U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing over 200
  • August 20, 1998: U.S. fires on al-Qaeda's Afghan training camps, Sudanese facility
  • September 10, 1998: Ali Mohamed secretly arrested
  • September 15, 1998: U.S. arrests bin Laden's personal secretary
  • September 16, 1998: Important al-Qaeda leader arrested in Germany
  • November 1, 1998–February 2001: 9/11 hijacker Atta and associates are monitored some by U.S. and Germany in their Hamburg apartment
  • December 4, 1998: Clinton warned "bin Laden preparing to hijack U.S. aircraft" inside U.S.
  • January 31, 1999: Germany monitors call to 9/11 hijacker al-Shehhi, shares information with CIA
  • February 17, 1999: Germans monitor call mentioning key al-Qaeda Hamburg cell members, including 9/11 hijacker Atta's full name and number
  • April 1, 1999: 9/11 hijacker Jarrah has unofficial wedding; photograph later suggests German intelligence has informant
  • April 3, 1999: Candidate hijacker denied U.S. visa in Yemen
  • April 3–7, 1999: Three 9/11 hijackers obtain U.S. visas
  • April 15, 1999: Hanjour gets pilot's license despite dubious skills
  • May 18, 1999: Potential al-Qaeda sleeper pilot arrested in Florida; goes missing in U.S. custody
  • July 14, 1999: Pakistani ISI agent promises attack on World Trade Center in recorded conversation
  • August 17, 1999: Arms merchants seek nuclear material in U.S.
  • October 9, 1999: Wedding connects Darkazanli with Hamburg cell
  • November 30, 1999: Jordan thwarts al-Qaeda-connected millennium plot
  • December 4, 1999: Saudi ambassador's wife gives funds that are possibly passed to 9/11 hijackers
  • December 11, 1999: U.S. citizen, alleged mastermind of Jordanian bomb plot, is arrested but never charged
  • December 14, 1999: Al-Qaeda operative planning Los Angeles airport attack is arrested
  • December 14–25, 1999: Private investigators discover al-Qaeda sleeper cell in California
  • December 15–31, 1999: U.S. intelligence launches worldwide effort to thwart millennium attack plots
  • December 24–31, 1999: Hijacked flight leads to freeing of future 9/11 funder; ISI allegedly supports hijacking
  • December 29, 1999: Bin Laden's "procurement agent" detained in Jordan, alleged to describe "bin Laden's U.S. operations"
  • January 1, 2000–September 11, 2001: Saeed Sheikh lives openly in Pakistan, strengthens ties with ISI
  • January 2–5, 2000: CIA learns 9/11 hijacker al-Mihdhar has U.S. visa as he is tracked to al-Qaeda summit
  • January 3, 2000: Al-Qaeda attack on USS The Sullivans finals; plot stays undiscovered
  • January 5–8, 2000: Al-Qaeda summit in Malaysia discusses 9/11 and Cole plots; CIA has Malaysians monitor it
  • January 5–8, 2000 and Shortly After: Malaysian authorities monitor al-Qaeda leaders at Kuala Lumpur summit
  • 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. January 5, 2000: CIA bin Laden unit blocks notification to FBI about hijacker al-Mihdhar's U.S. visa
  • January 6, 2000: CIA officer says information about 9/11 hijacker al-Mihdhar cannot be shared with FBI because next al-Qaeda attack will be in Southeast Asia
  • January 15, 2000–August 2001: 9/11 hijackers bring money into U.S.
  • January 15–February 2000: Suspected advance man al-Bayoumi helps 9/11 hijackers settle in San Diego
  • January 30–31, 2000: UAE wants to arrest 9/11 hijacker Jarrah; U.S. says no and promises to track him
  • February 4–Mid-May 2000: 9/11 hijackers al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar live openly in San Diego apartment complex
  • May 5 and 10, 2000: 9/11 hijackers al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar are "Dumb & Dumber" as pilot students; Hanjour possibly with them
  • May 10–Mid-December 2000: FBI informant fails to share valuable information on 9/11 hijackers al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar
  • May 17, 2000–May 2001: Bin al-Shibh U.S. visas rejected, possibly because of ties to USS Cole bombing
  • June 9, 2000: On trip to Los Angeles, 9/11 hijackers al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar know local Muslims well, meet unidentified associate
  • June 10, 2000: 9/11 hijacker al-Mihdhar flies from San Diego to Germany; return date unclear
  • June 13–September 25, 2000: 9/11 hijackers receive money from bin al-Shibh in Germany
  • June 27–28, 2000: 9/11 hijacker Jarrah enters the U.S.; begins flight training in violation of immigration status
  • June 28–July 7, 2000: 9/11 hijackers open Florida bank accounts
  • June 29–September 18, 2000: Hijackers receive $100,000 in funding from United Arab Emirates location
  • July 1, 2000: Consular official who issues 9/11 hijackers with 12 visas arrives in Jeddah
  • July 1–3, 2000: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi move to Florida and enroll in pilot classes
  • July 2–3, 2000: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi visit Oklahoma flight school later attended by Zacarias Moussaoui
  • July 6–December 19, 2000: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi attend Huffman Aviation flight school
  • August 12, 2000: Italian intelligence wiretap of al-Qaeda cell reveals plan for massive aircraft-based strike
  • August 14–December 19, 2000: Hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi pass flight tests at Huffman Aviation
  • September 5, 2000: 9/11 hijacker al-Hazmi allegedly helps housemate cash checks, but details scarce; FBI later fumbles investigation
  • September 21, 2000: Al-Qaeda leaders vow to "spill blood" to free "Blind Sheikh"
  • October 8–13, 2000: Two 9/11 hijackers return to Saudi Arabia before obtaining visas
  • October 10, 2000: Future Madrid bombers arrested in Turkey and then let go; some may be informants
  • October 12, 2000: USS Cole bombed by al-Qaeda
  • October 14–Late November 2000: Investigation into USS Cole bombing is limited
  • December 8, 2000: 9/11 hijacker Hanjour re-enters U.S. on student visa
  • December 19, 2000: Clinton tells Bush his top priority should be bin Laden; Bush says it's Saddam Hussein instead
  • December 24–30, 2000: Al-Qaeda-linked group bombings kill dozens in Indonesia and Philippines
  • December 29–31, 2000: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi receive training in a flight simulator
  • January 3, 2001: Counterterrorism "tsar" Clarke's power is reduced by Rice and future 9/11 Commission executive director
  • January 4, 2001: Informer sees known al-Qaeda leader in Malaysia summit photos
  • January 10, 2001: Two Mohamed Attas allegedly enter U.S. through Miami, Florida, on the same day, but details scarce
  • January 10–25, 2001: National Security Adviser Rice rejects resuming use of surveillance drone to track bin Laden
  • January 18, 2001: Overstaying visa does not hinder 9/11 hijacker al-Shehhi when re-entering U.S.
  • January 31, 2001: Bipartisan commission issues final report on terrorism, but conclusions are ignored
  • February 20, 2001: Evidence suggests Indonesian military assisted al-Qaeda affiliate with Christmas Eve bombings
  • February 26, 2001: Osama attends son's wedding with other bin Laden family members
  • March 1, 2001: Taliban disregard international opinion and destroy giant Buddha statues; event demonstrates group's growing lack of concern about world image
  • April 1, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Nawaf al-Hazmi gets speeding ticket, but his illegal status is not noticed
  • April 1–May 27, 2001: Additional 9/11 hijackers spend time in Malaysia
  • April 12–September 7, 2001: 9/11 hijackers collect multiple driver's license copies
  • April 23–June 29, 2001: 9/11 "muscle" hijackers arrive in U.S. at this time or earlier
  • May 1–July 18, 2001: 9/11 hijackers open more Florida bank accounts
  • May 2, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Ahmed al-Ghamdi is not stopped from entering U.S. despite praising bin Laden to customs officials and customs investigation
  • May 2, 2001: 9/11 hijackers Atta and possibly Jarrah seen with al-Qaeda operative in Miami immigration office
  • May 6–September 6, 2001: Some 9/11 hijackers work out at gyms, some merely hang out
  • May 11–June 1, 2001: Deposits made on 9/11 hijackers' accounts, source of money unknown
  • May 16, 2001: Two 9/11 hijackers refused entry to Bahamas; U.S. immigration mistakenly thinks they have left U.S.
  • May 30, 2001: FBI is warned of major al-Qaeda operation in the U.S. involving hijackings, explosives, and New York City
  • June 3–4, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Jarrah attends Philadelphia flight school with unidentified older man, exhibits poor flying skills
  • June 7–10, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Jarrah suspects he is followed as he flies to Las Vegas
  • June 11, 2001: FBI and CIA hold tense meeting over information on al-Qaeda; CIA still withholds information
  • June 12, 2001: Sting operation exposes al-Qaeda, ISI, and drug connections; investigators face obstacles to learn more
  • June 19, 2001: Bin Laden calls for "blood and destruction" and tells followers to "penetrate America and Israel" in public video
  • June 21, 2001: Senior al-Qaeda officials say important surprises coming soon
  • June 29, 2001: Surveillance indicates al-Qaeda will attack Genoa summit with multiple planes
  • June 30–July 1, 2001: The New York Times reporter told al-Qaeda is "planning something so big the U.S. will have to respond," but does not publish warning
  • July 4–14, 2001: Bin Laden reportedly receives lifesaving treatment in Dubai, alleged to meet with CIA while there
  • July 8–August 30, 2001: 9/11 hijackers purchase knives
  • July 10, 2001: FBI agent sends memo warning that unusual number of Muslim extremists are learning to fly in Arizona
  • July 10, 2001: CIA officials Black, Blee, and Tenet warn National Security Adviser Rice about possible imminent al-Qaeda attacks
  • July 11, 2001: Assistant FBI director predicts terrorist attack in the U.S.
  • July 12, 2001: Attorney General Ashcroft reportedly does not want to hear about al-Qaeda threat
  • July 23, 2001: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, using false name but real photo, is given U.S. visa
  • July 23, 2001–October 20, 2004: Indonesian vice president supports Islamist militant leaders
  • July 24 or 28, 2001: Captured operative had links that could have led to Moussaoui, 9/11 plot
  • July 29–August 3, 2001: Hijacker associate bin al-Shibh forwards money to Moussaoui
  • August 1, 2001: Actor communicates concerns to stewardess that airplane will be hijacked; warning forwarded to the FAA
  • August 1–2, 2001: Hijackers illegally purchase Virginia identity cards
  • August 4, 2001: Possible 20th hijacker al-Qahtani is denied entry
  • August 4, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Jarrah again phones Islamic Jihad leader wanted for murder in Egypt
  • August 6, 2001: Bush receives briefing titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S."
  • August 8–15, 2001: Israel reportedly warns of major assault on the U.S.
  • August 13–14, 2001: 9/11 hijackers meet in Las Vegas for summit
  • August 15, 2001: CIA counterterrorism head: We are going to be struck soon and it could be in U.S.
  • August 16, 2001: Moussaoui's belongings possess information sufficient to foil 9/11 plot
  • August 16–19, 2001: 9/11 hijacker Atta rents plane at southeast Florida airport; accompanied by unidentified passengers
  • August 21, 2001: Inmate warns of impending attack in New York
  • August 22, 2001: Top FBI al-Qaeda expert leaves FBI in frustration; misses important warnings on Moussaoui and two 9/11 hijackers
  • August 22, 2001: French connect Moussaoui to Chechen rebels, FBI headquarters still refuses search warrant
  • August 22–September 10, 2001: Unclear if bin Laden unit briefs top CIA management about 9/11 hijacker al-Mihdhar's presence in U.S.; unit chief knows he is likely terrorist
  • August 23, 2001: 9/11 hijackers al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar are added to terrorist watchlist
  • August 23–27, 2001: Minnesota FBI agents "absolutely convinced" Moussaoui plans to hijack plane; they are restricted by FBI headquarters
  • August 23–September 10, 2001: Flight 77 hijackers stay at Valencia Motel
  • August 27, 2001: Spanish police tape phone calls indicating aviation-based plans to attack U.S.
  • August 29, 2001: Inexperienced FBI agent is assigned to search for al-Mihdhar
  • September 3–5, 2001: Members of Hamburg's al-Qaeda cell leave for Pakistan
  • September 4–5, 2001: FBI search for 9/11 hijackers al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi begins, but the search is heavily flawed
  • September 4–5, 2001: FBI agent fails to conduct simple credit card check that could have stopped 9/11 attacks
  • September 5, 2001: Hijacker al-Hazmi is in police and motor vehicle databases, but FBI agent fails to find his records
  • September 5–10, 2001: Last-minute money transfers between 9/11 hijackers and United Arab Emirates
  • September 6, 2001: FAA places severe flight restrictions on author because of attack threat
  • September 7, 2001: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Shehhi allegedly get drunk in Florida bar with unidentified man
  • September 7, 2001: Priest is told of plot to attack U.S. and Britain using hijacked airplanes
  • September 9, 2001: Northern Alliance leader Massoud is assassinated in anticipation of 9/11 attacks
  • September 10, 2001: Three 9/11 hijackers stay at same hotel as senior Saudi official
  • September 10, 2001: 9/11 hijackers Atta and al-Omari make unexplained trip to Portland, Maine
  • September 10, 2001: Alleged CIA informant warns Syrian government about 9/11 attacks; Syria fails to pass on warning
  • 5:33 a.m.–5:40 a.m. September 11, 2001: Two 9/11 hijackers drive to airport in Portland, Maine
  • 5:43 a.m. September 11, 2001: 9/11 hijackers check in at Portland airport; Atta becomes angry with ticket agent
  • 6:00 a.m. September 11, 2001: Two hours before attacks, Israeli company employees receive warnings
  • 6:30 a.m. September 11, 2001: NORAD on alert for emergency exercises
  • 7:15 a.m.–7:36 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 77 hijackers are recorded on video at Dulles airport
  • 7:18 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 77 hijackers al-Mihdhar and Moqed set off alarms as they go through a security checkpoint at Dulles airport
  • 7:29 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 77 hijackers Nawaf and Salem al-Hazmi check in at Dulles airport
  • 7:35 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 77 hijacker Hanjour goes through a security checkpoint at Dulles airport without any problems
  • 7:36 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 77 hijackers Nawaf and Salem al-Hazmi go through a security checkpoint at Dulles airport and one of them sets off alarms
  • 8:00 a.m. September 11, 2001: Intelligence committee chairs meet with ISI head and possible 9/11 attacks funder as the attacks occur
  • 8:00 a.m.–8:50 a.m. September 11, 2001: Defense Secretary Rumsfeld holds breakfast meeting at Pentagon; key military figures present
  • 8:14 a.m. September 11, 2001: Passenger on Flight 11 is killed by one of the hijackers
  • 8:16 a.m.–8:28 a.m. September 11, 2001: Four calls made from Flight 11 by unknown individual, possibly flight attendant Sara Low
  • 8:18 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Betty Ong calls airline reservations office to report hijacking
  • 8:19 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Betty Ong describes emergency on her plane
  • 8:21 a.m. September 11, 2001: American Airlines supervisor calls operations center to alert it to call from Flight 11 attendant
  • 8:21 a.m. September 11, 2001: American Airlines supervisor joins call from Flight 11 attendant Betty Ong
  • 8:22 a.m.–8:24 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Amy Sweeney unsuccessfully tries phoning airline office at Logan airport
  • 8:24 a.m. September 11, 2001: Boston air traffic controllers hear Flight 11 hijacker say, "We have some planes," but are uncertain of origin of transmission
  • 8:29 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Amy Sweeney makes successful call to airline office at Logan airport, describes hijacking
  • 8:30 a.m. September 11, 2001: Some U.S. leaders are scattered worldwide; others in Washington
  • 8:30 a.m. September 11, 2001: U.S. military holding "practice Armageddon" nationwide training exercise
  • 8:32 a.m.–8:44 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Amy Sweeney talks on phone with airline manager at Logan airport, gives details of hijacking
  • 8:36 a.m.–8:37 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight attendant Betty Ong says there is no doctor on Flight 11 to help the injured
  • 8:37 a.m. September 11, 2001: Boston Center notifies NEADS of hijacking, against normal procedures; accounts conflict over timing
  • 8:38 a.m. September 11, 2001: "Hubbub" at NEADS thought to be result of exercise scenario
  • 8:38 a.m.–8:43 a.m. September 11, 2001: NORAD personnel mistake hijacking for part of an exercise
  • 8:41 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 attendant Amy Sweeney says passengers think there is just a medical emergency on their plane
  • 8:42 a.m.–8:46 a.m. September 11, 2001: New York Center controller informed Flight 11 is suspected hijack, then follows it on radar
  • 8:45 a.m.–9:37 a.m. September 11, 2001: Secret Service does not use its Stinger missiles to protect New York and Washington
  • 8:46 a.m.–9:37 a.m. September 11, 2001: Aviation unit based near Pentagon away for weapons training at time of attacks
  • 8:46 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 11 hits the North Tower of the World Trade Center
  • 8:46 a.m. September 11, 2001: First World Trade Center attack recorded on video; footage is first broadcast that evening
  • 8:47 a.m.–9:50 a.m. September 11, 2001: Engineer finds major damage in basement and lobby of North Tower
  • 8:50 a.m. September 11, 2001: CIA Director Tenet told of attack, suspects bin Laden
  • 8:51 a.m.–8:54 a.m. September 11, 2001: Hijackers take over Flight 77
  • 8:52 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 175 attendant reports plane has been hijacked; accounts conflict over details
  • 8:52 a.m.–8:59 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 175 passenger tries to call wife
  • 8:52 a.m. September 11, 2001: Flight 175 passenger details stabbing
  • 8:53 a.m.–9:05 a.m. September 11, 2001: Otis fighters head toward New York area; accounts conflict over exact destination

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