Report Strengthens Saudi Links To Attacks, Underscores Need for Justice And Accountability

CBS News’ 60 Minutes Spotlights Kingdom’s Support for Al-Qaeda

WASHINGTON – Tonight’s broadcast of CBS News’ 60 Minutes has shed powerful new light on elements within the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that provided material support to the 19 terrorist hijackers who carried out the September 11 attacks against the United States.

This evidence, withheld for two decades by the FBI, is only now seeing the light of day thanks to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) — legislation passed in 2016 over the Kingdom’s strong objections thanks to unwavering support from Senators John Cornyn and Chuck Schumer, among others, and backed by President Donald J. Trump during his campaign for president.

“Without JASTA, none of this would have come to light,” said Terry Strada, National Chair of 9/11 Families United, whose husband Tom was killed in the World Trade Center. “For years, our government concealed the truth about Saudi Arabia’s links to 9/11. We had to fight to pass JASTA and override a presidential veto. We are still fighting today — for accountability, for justice, and for the truth.”

Click Here To Watch The 60 Minutes Report

As a candidate in 2016, President Trump recognized the Kingdom’s role, telling Fox News:

“Who blew up the World Trade Center? It wasn’t the Iraqis, it was Saudi — take a look at Saudi Arabia, open the documents.”

9/11 Families United is now urging President Trump to act on his words.

“President Trump promised to hold the Saudis accountable,” said Strada. “We urge him to honor that promise and publicly demand the Kingdom resolve this betrayal of the American people once and for all. President Trump’s upcoming trip to Riyadh is a golden opportunity to show the world the true meaning of America First.”

9/11 Families United is also calling on Congress to investigate the FBI’s mishandling and withholding of key evidence related to Saudi involvement under former directors Robert Mueller and James Comey, and to pass the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (EJVTA). The legislation was first introduced in the 118th Congress to strengthen JASTA and protect the ability of American victims of terrorism on U.S. soil to pursue justice in U.S. courts — fulfilling the promise made to victims and their families.

“Congress needs to find out if FBI Director Kash Patel is willing to repair the Broken Bureau,” Strada continued. “It is shameful how voluminous and damning evidence pointing to the Kingdom’s direct involvement was mishandled and hidden from the American people. The culture that allowed the Saudis culpability to be shrouded in secrecy must end. Further, Congress must work on a bipartisan basis to put the EJVTA on President Trump’s desk. The intense opposition by a single foreign government must not be allowed to stop our pursuit of justice.”

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

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