9/11 families' lawsuit ties Saudi officials to attack despite prince’s denial
Saudi officials’ alleged ties to the 9/11 attacks are coming under renewed scrutiny as a federal court case continues, even as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman downplays the kingdom’s role. The lawsuit, filed under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act of 2016, is the first time a foreign sovereign has been sued in a U.S. court for the attacks that killed 2,977 people. Families of victims and insurers have pursued the case for more than two decades, seeking what has been described as a trillion-dollar judgment.
Court filings allege that two Saudi officials, Omar al Bayoumi and Al Fahad Thumairy, assisted two of the eventual hijackers, Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Mihdhar, when they arrived in Southern California in early 2000. Bayoumi, an accountant on the Saudi payroll, allegedly helped the men find housing and cash and connected them to other Saudis who aided them. Thumairy, an imam in Los Angeles, is said to have played a lesser role. Evidence includes a sketch of an airplane and mathematical calculations Bayoumi made, a “casing” video of the U.S. Capitol, and video from a meet-and-greet that brought together individuals linked to the hijackers. U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels has found enough evidence to infer the officials knowingly assisted the attackers, though the Saudis dispute the claims and are appealing.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between transparency and diplomatic relations, as Saudi Arabia remains a key U.S. ally. Prince Mohammed, who was not in government on Sept. 11, 2001, expressed sympathy for the victims’ families while denying involvement by his government. Families and attorneys argue that key evidence has long been ignored or suppressed, including British police files seized shortly after the attacks. The lawsuit continues to unfold as U.S. courts examine the extent of Saudi Arabia’s liability.
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