Families of 9/11 victims against Saudi Arabia: "They continue to lie"

The Federal Court of Appeals in Manhattan is hearing Saudi Arabia's appeal against its exposure to a massive lawsuit by the families of 9/11 victims. The families presented alleged evidence of the kingdom's involvement in a support network for the hijackers, claiming that Saudi Arabia continues to lie and deny guilt. Saudi Arabia demands sovereign immunity.

The Federal Court of Appeals in Manhattan heard arguments Wednesday in Saudi Arabia's appeal of a landmark August 2025 ruling that left it exposed to a civil damages lawsuit by the families of the September 11, 2001 attack victims. The families allege that Saudi Arabia aided the hijackers through a support network that included Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi national who helped find housing for two hijackers in California. District Judge George Daniels ruled that the families had presented "reasonable evidence" of Saudi government involvement. Saudi Arabia denies any involvement and demands sovereign immunity. Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United, said: "The kingdom continues to lie in court and deny all guilt, when the evidence shows its agents were directly involved in the attacks." 2,977 people were killed in the attacks, 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens. The court is expected to issue a written ruling at a future date.