Full Breakdown
9/11 Families Renew Legal Push Against Saudi Arabia on 25th Anniversary
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 11, 2026, the 25th-anniversary memorial at Ground Zero featured Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United and widow of World Trade Center victim Tom Strada. The remarks came as a federal judge’s 2025 decision allowed the civil lawsuit alleging Saudi support for the attacks to proceed toward trial.
Background & Context
The lawsuit was filed in 2003 under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), a 2016 law that permits U.S. citizens to sue foreign governments for material support of terrorism. In August 2025, U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels rejected Saudi Arabia’s motion to dismiss, finding the plaintiffs’ claims legally sufficient to move forward. The case remains pending, with a tentative trial date set for June 2028.
Data & Statistics
- The September 11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.
- 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals, according to firehouse.
- The civil action involves thousands of plaintiffs from all 50 states.
- The lawsuit seeks to hold the Kingdom liable for alleged financing, logistical support, and “vicarious liability” of Saudi officials who employed individuals later linked to the hijackers.
Official Statements & Responses
Saudi-government attorneys have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the Kingdom has assisted the United States in combating al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.
Criticism & Opposition
Saudi legal representatives argue that the plaintiffs’ allegations lack merit, emphasizing the Kingdom’s cooperation with U.S. counter-terrorism efforts since the attacks. They contend that the lawsuit attempts to politicize a tragic event and that the evidence presented does not establish direct governmental involvement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For 25 years, administration after administration, including leaders in front of us here today, chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families,” — Terry Strada
- “How can it be 25 years and still we have no justice for the role that Saudi Arabia played in your murder?” — Terry Strada
- “Yes, we finally made it into a court and proved that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fomented a rancid culture of anti-American terrorism around the globe and then sent its agents to support the radical Islamic hijackers so they could attack you and all of our loved ones,” — Terry Strada
- “Plaintiffs have provided evidence that creates the overall impression that Bayoumi and Thumairy were not just an accountant or an imam as they claim, and their employment had some connection with assisting the hijackers,” — George B. Daniels, district judge
- “We’ve just been waiting for so long,” — Mike Casey, of Wellesley
What’s Next
The appeal will be heard by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in early October, a step that could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial. Plaintiffs continue to seek declassification of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) records that they say could further substantiate claims of Saudi support. The June 2028 trial date remains tentative, pending the outcome of the appellate review.
