Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., is overshadowed by the lingering shadows of the September 11 attacks. Families of victims, first responders, and dedicated advocates are urging President Trump to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its potential involvement in the tragic events that unfolded over two decades ago. The legal proceedings surrounding this case have seen a significant development with a recent ruling from U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels, who decided to let a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia proceed to trial. This decision marks a crucial moment in a prolonged legal journey that began back in 2002.
“The backdrop to this visit is the recent ruling of a federal judge in New York that Saudi Arabia must stand trial for its role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, stated firmly in expressing the determination of those still fighting for justice. His father lost his life in the attacks, highlighting the personal stakes involved. The sentiment resonates deeply as Eagleson and others push for transparency amid ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and the Saudi Kingdom, where historical grievances are at play.
The allegations against Saudi Arabia are serious. The court ruling noted “essential support” provided by Saudi government agents to the hijackers. Two individuals at the center of the accusations, Omar al-Bayoumi and Sheikh Al Fahad Thumairy, have faced scrutiny regarding their association with the hijackers. Bayoumi, particularly, is alleged to have aided the hijackers by securing them an apartment, acting as a guarantor on their lease—a connection he attributes to customary community support. However, the FBI has linked Bayoumi to the Saudi government, complicating his defense.
Moreover, the judge’s findings suggest Bayoumi toured Washington with two Saudi officials closely tied to Thumairy. The evidence that surfaced from these trips is chilling. Both officials met Khalid Sheikh Mohammed—the alleged architect of the 9/11 attacks—further implicating the Saudi government in facilitating crucial connections. For many, these details paint a disconcerting picture of collusion that begs for acknowledgment.
Thumairy himself left the U.S. in the weeks prior to the attacks, standing at the center of allegations he met with the hijackers upon their arrival in California. Despite being photographed with them, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, relying on weak claims of coincidence.
As the Crown Prince prepares to meet President Trump, the push for accountability becomes even more urgent. The narrative shared by 9/11 advocates paints a stark contrast against the backdrop of improving U.S.-Saudi relations. President Trump expressed optimism regarding Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the Abraham Accords, emphasizing a potential rebirth of diplomatic ties. Yet, for families touched by tragedy, the stakes of this relationship extend beyond geopolitics to the very heart of justice.
The unease surrounding the Crown Prince’s visit is palpable. While official responses from both the Saudi Embassy and the White House remain absent, the voices of those affected by the attacks echo throughout the dialogue. The impending meeting serves as a reminder that below the surface of international diplomacy lies a complex history—a history fraught with loss and the quest for recognition.
As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approaches Washington, the outcry from 9/11 families remains crucial. The legal battle that has unfolded over decades and the recent court ruling add layers of complexity to diplomatic efforts. The perspectives of those who suffered losses in the attacks should not be forgotten as leaders engage in a delicate balancing act of progress and accountability.
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