Federal Judge Finds Credible Evidence of Saudi Government Involvement in 9/11 Attacks
NEW YORK – 9/11 Families United today welcomed the decision of Judge George B. Daniels of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, who ruled that the families have presented credible evidence of Saudi government involvement in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In denying the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s motion to dismiss the case (In Re: Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001), Judge Daniels confirmed that the litigation will move forward to trial, marking another milestone in the decades-long pursuit of truth and accountability.
In his ruling, Judge Daniels highlighted evidence directly linking Saudi officials to the hijackers’ preparations.
“Most tellingly,” he wrote, “the drawing of an airplane with equations related to the height and distance of a plane’s flight path, for which [Bayoumi] could not come up with any reasonable explanation, facially connects Bayoumi with knowledge of the 9/11 Attacks.”
Daniels concluded that “the total evidence creates a high probability as to Bayoumi’s and Thumairy’s roles in the hijackers’ plans, and the related role of their employer, KSA.”
The court also dismissed Saudi Arabia’s attempts to minimize the evidence.
As Judge Daniels put it, “although Saudi Arabia attempts to offer seemingly innocent explanations or context, they are either self-contradictory or not strong enough to overcome the inference that KSA had employed Bayoumi and Thumairy to assist the hijackers.”
Terry Strada, National Chair of 9/11 Families United, issued the following statement:
“Today’s decision is another powerful step toward justice. For nearly a quarter-century, the 9/11 families have sought accountability for the support and resources that helped make the attacks possible. Judge Daniels’ ruling makes clear that Saudi Arabia cannot escape responsibility through procedural maneuvers. We are prepared to move forward and present the full scope of evidence in court, so that the truth is undeniable and justice is finally delivered.”
This ruling builds on years of investigation, legal arguments, and the passage of JASTA, which empowered victims of terrorism to hold foreign governments accountable when they knowingly or recklessly provide support to terrorist acts.
As the case advances, 9/11 Families United again urges the FBI to end its entrenched pattern of obstruction and produce all information in its possession relevant to the Attacks, and for Congress to swiftly reintroduce and pass the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (EJVTA). Strengthening and clarifying JASTA is essential to guarantee that Americans harmed by terrorism can hold foreign governments fully accountable.
“Justice demands more than promises,” Strada added. “It requires transparency from our own government, accountability from those who aided the hijackers, and action from Congress. Our community will not stop until every fact is brought to light and every path to justice is secured.”
About 9/11 Families United:
9/11 Families United is an organization consisting of family members of those murdered in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as many of those who survived, were injured in or sickened from the attacks, a community that numbers well over 10,000. More information is at www.911familiesunited.org.
