Terror (1993 – 2001)
February 26, 1993 – A bomb planted by terrorists explodes in the World Trade Center's underground garage
On February 26th 1993 a bomb was planted in the underground garage of the World Trade Center. The attack was meant as a statement about the economic power of NYC and America. Six people were killed and over a thousand were injured. In terms of city planning- this attack started new security measures for NYC buildings and streets such as controlling access and metal detectors. Unfortunately these security measures could not prevent against the devastation of the 9/11 attack on the buildings some years later.
September 11, 2001 – The two 110-story World Trade Center towers and several surrounding buildings are destroyed by two jetliners
8 years after the garage bombing, the Al Qaeda terrorist organization hijacked 2 jet liners and crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. This attack coordinated with several others across the country. In New York City, the attack was assumed to be one on capitalism (similar to the 1993 bombing). Over 2,600 people lost their lives as a result of the terrorist actions while thousands of others still suffer with injury and loss. September 11th did not just change the structure of New York City but the rest of the country. Security has become top priority not just for airports but for all kinds of transportation, public buildings, and even schools. September 11th made America question how safe we really are.
Immediately after the attack lower Manhattan was closed down for cleanup. Trains and buses were canceled or re routed, streets were buried under rubble. Fire and police crews from surrounding states were called into the city to assist as New York did not have the capacity (nor would any place) to deal with the events of the day. Today cleanup is still happening around the ground zero site. The 9/11 memorial now stands in the place of what used to be a financial symbol for the world. With almost all New York attractions, going through security to enter the memorial site is mandatory along with a ticket.
One lasting message from 9/11 is the “see something, say something” campaign that focuses on residents being their own advocate/protector. Signs throughout the city and country on buses trains, and park benches encourage people to speak up if something looks out of place.
Immediately after the attack lower Manhattan was closed down for cleanup. Trains and buses were canceled or re routed, streets were buried under rubble. Fire and police crews from surrounding states were called into the city to assist as New York did not have the capacity (nor would any place) to deal with the events of the day. Today cleanup is still happening around the ground zero site. The 9/11 memorial now stands in the place of what used to be a financial symbol for the world. With almost all New York attractions, going through security to enter the memorial site is mandatory along with a ticket.
One lasting message from 9/11 is the “see something, say something” campaign that focuses on residents being their own advocate/protector. Signs throughout the city and country on buses trains, and park benches encourage people to speak up if something looks out of place.