- Symbolic significance: The WTC was a prominent and iconic landmark in New York City, representing American economic and financial power. By attacking the WTC, terrorists aimed to strike a symbolic blow against the United States and its values.
- Height of the buildings: The Twin Towers of the WTC were the tallest buildings in the world at the time of their completion in 1973 and 1974. Their height made them a visible and recognizable symbol of American achievement and prosperity, making them a prime target for terrorists seeking to create a spectacle of destruction.
- Security vulnerabilities: Despite being a high-profile target, there were significant security vulnerabilities at the WTC. The complex was accessible to the public without stringent security checks, and the buildings' structural design made them susceptible to collapse from a targeted attack.
- Prior attacks: The WTC had been targeted in a previous terrorist attack in 1993, when a truck bomb exploded in the underground parking garage, killing six people and injuring over a thousand. The success of this earlier attack may have emboldened the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks to mount a more devastating strike.
- Anti-American sentiment: The terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks were motivated by anti-American sentiments rooted in political, religious, and social grievances against the United States. They saw the WTC as a symbol of American power and influence in the world, which they sought to undermine.