On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, communities across the U.S. gathered to remember the 2,977 lives lost and honor those who perished in the years that followed. Seven moments of silence were observed today, including one dedicated to victims of 9/11-related illnesses linked to toxic exposure after the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Newly released documents reveal that government researchers knew the air in Lower Manhattan was unsafe in the days following the attacks but withheld that information from the public. The documents, released by New York City officials this week, consist of nearly 170,000 pages of previously undisclosed records.
Commemorations and ceremonies were held in Lower Manhattan, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the fourth hijacked plane crashed. Additional tributes honored first responders and survivors who have since died from illnesses tied to exposure to toxic debris, including tens of thousands of people who developed related health conditions.
Personal accounts from survivors and witnesses underscored the enduring impact of the attacks. A doctor who survived the collapse of Tower Two recalled treating victims in a conference room before the building fell. A woman who was 11 years old at the time described watching the towers fall on a classroom TV, while another survivor recounted the “apocalyptic” feeling that swept over New York City as the events unfolded. Many expressed that “the sadness is the same 25 years later.”
Health impacts and ongoing struggles remain a central theme of the anniversary. A federal health program does not cover dementia, which is taking a toll on 9/11 responders. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton warned that the U.S. has “let its guard down on terrorism,” according to reporting from NBC News.
New York City officials released the documents this week as part of a broader effort to address long-standing concerns about transparency and accountability. The records highlight the delayed public awareness of health risks, which affected first responders, cleanup workers, and nearby residents.
Photographers who captured the chaos of the day shared their experiences, offering a visual record of the events as they unfolded. Their work has become a critical part of the historical documentation of 9/11.
Political figures also marked the anniversary with calls to action. Senator J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump urged voters to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, framing the commemoration as a moment to reflect on national resilience and security.