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Twenty-five years ago, veteran NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw delivered a landmark special broadcast as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks unfolded live before a stunned nation. The anniversary marks a quarter century since one of the most devastating days in American history, when coordinated attacks killed nearly 3,000 people across multiple sites in the United States.
The Attacks That Shocked the Nation
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger aircraft. Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third aircraft hit the Pentagon in Virginia. The fourth plane never reached its intended target.
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Passengers and crew aboard the fourth flight fought back against the hijackers. As a result, that plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Their resistance prevented what could have been a fourth catastrophic strike on a major American landmark.
Together, the four coordinated attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The scale of the destruction was unlike anything the country had experienced on its own soil in modern times. First responders, civilians and government officials scrambled to respond as events continued to develop throughout the day.
Brokaw’s Broadcast and the Role of NBC News
Tom Brokaw anchored NBC News coverage as the attacks unfolded in real time. His broadcast became a defining moment in American television journalism. Millions of viewers turned to NBC for information as the full scope of the tragedy became clear.
NBC News marked the 25th anniversary with a range of special coverage. Correspondents including Andrea Mitchell and Anne Thompson shared their personal recollections of reporting from the scene. Richard Engel also reflected on the wars in the Middle East that followed the attacks.
Meanwhile, first responders from the NYPD and FDNY spoke about how perceptions of September 11 have shifted over the decades. A retired FDNY chief medical officer addressed the ongoing health consequences for those who responded that day. Their stories highlight the long-term human cost of the attacks.
Remembrance Across the Country
Moments of silence marked the anniversary at multiple sites, including the Pentagon. President Trump delivered a full address at the Pentagon memorial. Pete Hegseth also spoke at the event, focusing on the broader war on terror that the attacks set in motion.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described the horror and shock she experienced as the attacks unfolded. Andy Card and author Walter Isaacson also shared their personal reflections on the day. Their accounts offered a window into how senior officials experienced the crisis firsthand.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO spoke about his brother, who died on September 11, and honored fellow heroes from that day. In addition, a family member of one of the victims spoke publicly about the role of Saudi Arabia in the attacks. A special commemorative coin was also minted as a tribute to the victims.
As the 25th anniversary brings renewed reflection, NBC News and others continue to pass the story of September 11 to younger generations. The coverage serves as both a memorial and a reminder of the lasting impact that day had on the United States and the world.
