How many people died on September 11
On September 11, 2001, a total of 2,977 victims were killed in New York, Washington, D.C., and outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, excluding the 19 hijackers. This count includes 2,753 people in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania. These figures are based on the authoritative compilation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The following sections explain how these numbers were reached, who was among the dead, and how identification and reporting were conducted.
Key verified figures at a glance
| Location | Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Trade Center, New York | Civilian and worker deaths | 2,753 | 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund; NIST |
| The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia | Military and civilian deaths | 184 | DoD; 9/11 Commission |
| Shanksville, Pennsylvania | Passenger and crew deaths (Flight 93) | 40 | 9/11 Commission; NIST |
| Hijackers | 19 | 9/11 Commission | |
| First responders (on 9/11) | 343 (FDNY) + 72 (NYPDA) + 37 (Port Authority Police) | NYC Fire Department; Port Authority Police | |
| Total victims excluding hijackers | 2,977 | 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund; 9/11 Commission | |
Who was killed
Passengers and crew
The four commercial flights involved in the attacks resulted in the deaths of all aboard. United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower with 65 on board. American Airlines Flight 11 had 92. American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon with 64. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania after passenger resistance, killing all 40 on board. Across the flights, passengers and crew represented a wide range of nationalities and professions.
Office workers and civilians
In New York, the towers housed thousands of office workers, visitors, and first responders. When the towers collapsed, the majority of the 2,753 victims were civilians working or visiting the complex. Casualties occurred in both towers and in the surrounding area due to falling debris. At the Pentagon, 184 people died when Flight 77 struck, including military personnel and civilians.
First responders
Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians responded on 9/11. The largest loss of life among these groups was the New York City Fire Department, with 343 members killed. The New York City Police Department lost 72 officers, and the Port Authority Police Department lost 37 officers. These responders died while attempting evacuation, during tower collapse, and in the aftermath.
How the numbers were determined
The 2,977 total is derived from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and corroborated by the 9/11 Commission and NIST reports. The VCF used verified identity documentation, next-of-kin accounts, and, in many cases, DNA analysis to confirm each victim. Discrepancies sometimes arose due to remains being recovered in varying conditions and identifications evolving over time. The figure of 2,977 excludes the 19 hijackers and focuses only on victims and responders.
Aftermath and recognition
In the years following the attacks, additional first responders and survivors developed illnesses linked to the toxic dust at Ground Zero and have died. These post-9/11 deaths are tracked separately but are part of the broader legacy. Memorials such as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum maintain updated lists, and organizations like the FDNY and Port Authority regularly publish line-of-duty death reports for those later attributed to 9/11-related causes.
Quick context comparison
- Total immediate deaths (non-hijackers): 2,977
- World Trade Center victims: 2,753
- Pentagon victims: 184
- Passengers and crew (Flight 93 included): 156
- First responders killed on 9/11: 343 (FDNY), 72 (NYPD), 37 (PAPD)
- Hijackers: 19
Definitions and clarifications
“Immediate deaths” refers to those who died on the day of the attacks or that following night from injuries sustained that day. “Post-9/11 deaths” refers to individuals who died later from conditions directly linked to the attacks, such as cancers and respiratory illnesses. The term “first responders” typically includes firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and Port Authority police who were on scene in an official capacity.
Reliable sourcing context
Primary sources for these figures include the 9/11 Commission report (2004), NIST reports on the collapses, and the victim compensation databases maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice. Where counts differ in secondary sources, the numbers above reflect the most frequently cited and officially documented totals. For ongoing updates on related deaths, consult the FDNY Line of Duty Death reports and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health World Trade Center Health Program.