Full Breakdown
Appeals Court Weighs Saudi Immunity in Long-Running 9/11 Families Lawsuit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Appeals Hearing on Saudi Sovereign Immunity
On October 7, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit heard oral arguments in New York City over whether the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can invoke sovereign immunity to dismiss a civil suit filed by families of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The plaintiffs contend that Saudi officials, including former Saudi resident Omar al-Bayoumi, provided logistical and financial support to two of the hijackers. Saudi counsel argued that the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) does not apply and that the kingdom is protected by foreign-state immunity. Judges asked detailed questions about jurisdiction, al-Bayoumi’s employment, and the scope of JASTA, but did not issue a ruling at the hearing.
Background & Context
The lawsuit was filed in 2002, shortly after the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people, including 15 hijackers who were Saudi nationals. In 2016 Congress enacted JASTA, allowing U.S. victims to sue foreign states that sponsor terrorism. A Manhattan district court in 2025 found that the families had presented “reasonable evidence” that Saudi officials supported the hijackers and allowed the case to proceed, a decision the Saudi government is now seeking to overturn.
Timeline
- September 11 2001 – Terrorist attacks kill nearly 3,000.
- 2002 – Families file civil suit against Saudi Arabia.
- 2016 – Congress passes JASTA.
- 2025 – District Court rules the case may proceed under JASTA.
- October 7 2026 – Appeals court hears arguments on Saudi immunity.
- Early 2027 (expected) – Panel to issue written decision.
Data & Statistics
- ? 100 family members attended the October 7 hearing.
- Plaintiffs represent victims from all 50 states.
- Law firms involved include Motley Rice LLC, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, Cozen O’Connor, and Anderson Kill P.C.
Official Statements & Responses
- Saudi attorney Gregory Rapawy maintained that “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never supported its enemy, Al Qaeda, against its ally, the United States.”
- Judge William Nardini described the case as “difficult” and said the panel would take the matter “under advisement.”
Criticism & Opposition
Family leaders criticized Saudi denial. Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, called the kingdom’s arguments a “wiggle[ing] away from accountability.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses in the courtroom reported a palpable sense of optimism among the families after the judges’ probing questions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact death toll: some cite “almost 3,000” victims, while others give a precise figure of 2,977. Both figures appear in coverage without reconciliation. The precise legal standard for overturning the district court’s JASTA finding remains unsettled, as judges have not yet ruled on the merits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was, in fact, following Saudi Arabia's instructions when assisting the hijackers,” — Gavin Simpson, families' lawyer
- “What I witnessed today in the courtroom was the judges gave the Saudi attorneys a very hard time, and they were not buying what they were selling,” — Terry Strada
- “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never supported its enemy, Al Qaeda, against its ally, the United States,” — Gregory Rapawy, attorney
What’s Next
The appellate panel is expected to issue a written opinion in the coming months, with a ruling in early 2027 likely determining whether the case proceeds to trial and opens discovery into alleged Saudi support networks across multiple U.S. cities.