9/11 Families Sue Saudi Arabia, Argue Kingdom Aided Terrorists
Victims' relatives confront Saudi government's attempts to evade blame in a New York courtroom.
Relatives of victims from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gathered in a New York City courtroom Wednesday to challenge Saudi Arabia’s efforts to dismiss lawsuits accusing the kingdom of aiding Al Qaeda. Approximately 100 individuals who lost family members in the attacks were present at the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, expressing outrage over the kingdom’s continued denial of culpability.
“It’s outrageous, after seeing the evidence of the direct link between the Saudi government agents and hijackers, for them to continue denying their culpability,” said Terry Strada, whose husband was killed in the attacks. Lisa Friedman, another relative, added, “We’re hoping to finally see justice.”
The case hinges on a lower court's ruling that found “reasonable evidence” of the Saudi government's involvement in a support network for some of the hijackers, allowing the case to proceed towards trial. Saudi Arabia denies any foreknowledge of the attacks and claims immunity from such lawsuits, despite the 2016 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which eased the path for victims' families to sue nations accused of sponsoring terrorism.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never supported its enemy, Al Qaeda, against its ally, the United States,” stated Gregory Rapawy, an attorney representing Saudi Arabia during the hearing. Gavin Simpson, representing the families, countered that the kingdom had failed to demonstrate why it should be excluded from the suit.
After the hearing, some family members urged President Trump to exert more pressure on the Saudi government. “President Trump, I love ya, but you are not doing enough,” said Aaron Sand, whose father died in the attacks. “You have to prioritize the family members who were harmed, who lost loved ones because of this nation that claims to be an ally but is very much proving the opposite.”
Victims' relatives traveled from across the country to attend the hearing, including Steve Milam, whose brother died at the Pentagon. “I’m just hoping the judges will see that it is necessary in order to help the families in their healing process that Saudi Arabia be held liable for the tragic loss of our loved ones,” Milam said.
The lawsuit, initially filed in 2004, alleges that a suspected Saudi spy, Omar al-Bayoumi, assisted hijackers in securing lodging in California and reportedly hosted a welcoming event for them. Video evidence has also emerged reportedly showing al-Bayoumi observing the U.S. Capitol building prior to the attacks. Al-Bayoumi has denied being a spy.
The appeals judges are expected to issue a ruling in the coming months regarding whether to uphold the lower court's decision and permit the case to proceed to trial.