5 Ongoing Impacts 9/11 Still Has on Our World Today
Today marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.
On that day alone, over 3,000 people were killed after Al-Qaeda terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, another plane crashed in a field in rural Pennsylvania after the passengers fought back, The Christian Post reported.
It is a day that changed history that resulted in a global war on terrorism that saw troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, the killing of Al-Qaeda leader and 9//11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden, the returning of American troops home, the expiration of parts of the Patriot Act, and more.
24 years later, the impact 9/11 left still impacts our daily lives today. Here are the five specific, ongoing events or issues that stem from 9/11.
1. Families' Lawsuit against Saudi Arabia
Families of the 9/11 victims are suing the Saudi government, arguing that it was partly culpable for the attacks following allegations that Saudi agents aided or helped two of the hijackers.
A video from 1999 that was given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation showing a suspected Saudi intelligence operative who had ties to two of the hijackers surveilling D.C. landmarks was unsealed in court proceedings last year, CBS News reported in April.
Last month, Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York in Manhattan ruled in favor of the families who filed a civil lawsuit against the Saudi government.
"This is a historic win for the families," said Brett Eagleson, a spokesperson for the families whose father had been killed in the World Trade Center attack, as quoted by ProPublica. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to be held accountable."
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tetra Images
2. Freedom Tower Built in Place of the Twin Towers
2. Freedom Tower Built in Place of the Twin Towers
The construction of Freedom Tower, also known as the One World Trade Center, was completed in 2014, as part of the efforts to rebuild after the tragedy that took place 13 years prior.
The Freedom Tower is considered to be the tallest building in NYC, standing at 1,776 feet and is located alongside the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
"One World Trade Center was designed as a memorable architectural landmark — a symbol of the American spirit, with a simplicity and clarity of form that will remain fresh and timeless, "Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which designed the 104-story skyscraper, explains on its website.
"While the adjacent World Trade Center Memorial speaks of the past and of remembrance, One World Trade Center's faceted form speaks about the future and about hope," noted SOM.
"Behind the tower's crystalline simplicity and clarity of form are innovative architectural and engineering solutions to meet unprecedented site requirements."
The official World Trade Center Facebook page posted a brief note displaying the "Survivor Tree", which was initially rescued from the Ground Zero ruins back in 2001.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Gary Hershorn/Contributor
3. Tens of Thousands of First Responders Diagnosed with Multiple Types of Cancers
3. Tens of Thousands of First Responders Diagnosed with Multiple Types of Cancers
Tens of thousands of first responders and survivors are still suffering illnesses, including cancer and respiratory diseases, from toxic dust and debris inhaled after the towers fell.
A 2018 report by USA Today, roughly 10,000 9/11 first responders had been diagnosed with cancer, while more than 2,000 had died of 9/11-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, recent data from the World Trade Center Health Program found that more than 48,000 first responders and others had 9/11-linked cancer diagnoses, including skin, prostate, breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid, kidney, and bladder cancer, The New York Post reported last week. According to experts, these diseases were attributed to having been triggered by toxic exposure from that day.
The official death toll for 9/11 is 2,977 people, which includes 441 first responders — specifically eight paramedics, 55 military personnel, 71 law enforcement, and 343 firefighters.
Photo Credit: ©YouTube/thejokerr
4. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Reopens
4. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Reopens
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, which was near the Twin Towers, reopened its doors in December 2022 after it was destroyed on 9/11.
During a service, which fell on the Feast of St. Nicholas, Michael Psaros, chairman of The Friends of St. Nicholas, called it "a very emotional day for us all and an extraordinary, consequential day for New York and America," The Christian Post reported.
"We have relit the sacred flame of faith and spirit in this place of remembrance and resilience," stated Psaros. "We look forward to welcoming millions of people of all faiths and all nationalities from around the world who will seek to find solace and comfort at Saint Nicholas, for he is truly the protector of all those who journey through life."
The church has held multiple gatherings in remembrance of 9/11 following its completion, including a Beacon of Hope dinner scheduled for next week that will honor first responders.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Roy Rochlin/Contributor
5. Additional World Trade Center Buildings
5. Additional World Trade Center Buildings
Two new buildings are scheduled to be added to the World Trade Center complex in downtown Manhattan. One of the buildings, known as the 5 World Trade Center, is supposed to have 1,200 apartments, making it the only residential building at the complex. Some of the apartments will be offered to New Yorkers directly impacted by the 9/11 attacks.
5 WTC is also expected to include about 10,000 square feet of space for community nonprofits and over 230,000 square feet of space for commercial retail and offices.
Meanwhile, another building known as 2 World Trade Center is expected to be 1,270 feet tall and include 81 stories, which will be focused on commercial office tenants for its occupiers.
"The new building will provide the physical environment for collaboration and idea-sharing through the internal mix of open workplaces, amenities, and informal meeting spaces," the website Explore WTC explained.
"The modernist skyscraper and the contemporary interpretation of the pre-modern setback merge in a new hybrid and an exciting addition to the New York City skyline."
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Matthew T. Carroll
Originally published September 11, 2025.
