Families of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have won a critical legal battle allowing them to sue the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts.
A federal judge ruled that the families could proceed with claims accusing Saudi Arabia of supporting the network that enabled the hijackers who executed the devastating attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Suing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The lawsuit alleges that Saudi officials and entities within the kingdom helped establish, finance, and direct the extremist network operating inside the United States that aided the hijackers' movements prior to the attack.
Attorneys for the families presented evidence they say demonstrates a covert militant network involving several high-ranking Saudi officials, including some working at the Saudi embassy in Washington, D.C. These officials allegedly provided material support to the hijackers, a claim Saudi Arabia has consistently denied.
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Among the 19 hijackers, 15 were found to be Saudi nationals, but the Saudi government has long rejected any involvement in the attacks, and U.S. government officials have maintained that al Qaeda acted independently. The legal fight to hold Saudi Arabia accountable has been ongoing for over two decades and involved complex considerations of sovereign immunity that initially protected the kingdom from such lawsuits.
However, the 2016 passage of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) paved the way for families to pursue their claims against foreign governments in cases involving terrorism. This law overturned previous barriers that had shielded Saudi Arabia from being sued in connection with the 9/11 attacks.
The Tragic 9/11 Attacks
The litigation is part of a large, consolidated case led by families and survivors seeking accountability and justice. Attorneys continue to develop evidence, including the testimony of former al Qaeda operatives, linking some Saudi individuals and charities to funding extremist groups. Courts have even ordered depositions of high-ranking Saudi government officials, a rare and groundbreaking action in U.S. legal history.
Victims' advocacy groups emphasize the ruling is more than legal progress; it's a step toward uncovering the truth and seeking closure after nearly 25 years. "It's a commitment to guarantee that the truth is revealed," said Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families. While the path remains challenging, this legal decision marks a significant moment for families demanding answers about the tragic events that altered countless lives forever.
The cases now move forward in federal court in New York, where the plaintiffs will work to prove Saudi Arabia's role in the devastating terrorist attack and secure justice for those affected.
