Even before the smoke had cleared, investigators were on the job trying to determine who had committed the attacks. Thousands of law enforcement officials spread across the country—and the world—looking for clues and suspects. Authorities followed leads, questioned witnesses and searched cars, airports and hotels.
"We will expend every effort, and devote all the necessary resources, to bring the people responsible for these crimes to justice," said U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. By Friday, officials had not only determined that there were 19 hijackers, they knew all their names. At least four had learned to fly at U.S. flight schools. The FBI has compiled a list of more than 100 people they want to question.
Across the world, authorities zeroed in on the bombers' accomplices. German officials detained three suspects. In the Philippines, authorities raided a hotel.
As investigators pieced together the evidence, it became apparent that the attack was the work of a highly organized terrorist group. A terrorist is a person who uses violence and fear to try to get what he or she wants. Much of the evidence pointed toward Osama bin Laden.
Bin Laden, born to a wealthy family in Saudi Arabia, is considered a terrorist mastermind. From a base in Afghanistan, he controls a worldwide terrorist network. He objects to U.S. support of Israel and considers America evil. He's believed to be responsible for last year's bombing of a U.S. Navy ship. Three weeks ago, he bragged to a journalist that he would mount an attack on the U.S.
Fighting Terrorism
Secretary of State Colin Powell has admitted that bin Laden is the prime suspect. He said the U.S. would wage a "global assault against terrorism" and the countries that support terrorists. America's allies in Europe and Asia have pledged their support for the effort. President Bush vowed that the U.S. would "lead the world to victory" in the war against violence.
On Friday, Congress gave its consent for the President to use force against those responsible for the attacks.