The terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001

AP Photo/Chao Soi Cheong
It was an ordinary Tuesday that began like any other day. But, against the backdrop of a beautiful, cloud-free day, smoke, flames, and debris erupted after terrorists hijacked four passenger jets from Boston, Newark, and Washington, and turned them into guided missiles, striking at US government and financial capitals on Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were full of workers. The overall death toll from the choreographed attacks was just under 3,000. The first attack occurred at 8:46 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 11 with 81 passengers, nine flight attendants, and two pilots on board set afire the World Trade Center's north tower. Here is a collection of some of the iconic scenes from the day's attacks and the fallout afterward.