Families of 9/11 Victims Demand Release of Saudi Files

On a cloudy morning at Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once soared, families of those lost in the September 11 attacks gathered to deliver a poignant message to President Donald Trump: they want the release of unredacted files that they believe could link Saudi Arabia to the attacks.

The ceremony saw significant attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton, as well as ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo were also present.

The heartfelt message was conveyed by Terry Strada, who lost her husband, Tom, in the tragedy. From the memorial stage, she expressed her frustration, pointing out that various administrations have chosen to shield Saudi Arabia rather than advocate for the families of 9/11 victims.

Strada specifically criticized President Barack Obama for vetoing the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016, which was later overridden by Congress, enabling families to sue Saudi Arabia regarding its purported involvement in the events of that day.

Strada remarked, “Administration after administration has prioritized protecting the Saudis instead of backing 9/11 families. They have withheld evidence, vetoed crucial legislation, and betrayed our trust repeatedly.” She urged Trump, saying he still has the chance to alter this narrative.

She pressed the president to relay to Saudi leaders that true friendship with the U.S. means acknowledging the pain and destruction resulting from 9/11. Another speaker urged Vance to stand by the families and survivors. The crowd responded with applause, reflecting their shared sentiment.

Dennis McGinley, whose brother, Danny, was a victim, summed up the frustration many families feel. He stated that despite ongoing efforts, they have faced obstructions in seeking justice. He believes Trump has a pivotal moment to become their champion and bring closure to this painful chapter.

As they marked the 25th anniversary of the attacks, families renewed their push for accountability from Saudi Arabia, which they accuse of aiding two of the hijackers in settling in the U.S. The Saudi government has consistently denied any involvement.

The families’ claims are centered on individuals like Omar al-Bayoumi, who assisted hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar in securing an apartment, and Fahad al-Thumairy, a Saudi diplomat who had numerous contacts with al-Bayoumi. While the 9/11 Commission identified these connections, it did not establish that the Saudi government or its senior officials supported the plot.

Recent evidence and investigative materials have heightened scrutiny in this issue. A U.S. District Judge allowed claims against Saudi Arabia to progress, finding sufficient evidence to proceed towards trial, though this does not equate to a ruling of responsibility for the attacks.

The families feel that the recent legal developments provide Trump with a pivotal opportunity to release more documentation and address what they view as a long-standing betrayal.

Passananti, who lost his father, spoke of his yearly attendance at memorials, confessing he wishes he didn’t have to be there but feels it’s necessary. He expressed that the families, left to seek justice almost entirely on their own, have felt let down by their government, suspecting it has favored Saudi Arabia.

He described the ongoing fight for justice as surreal, saying, “It feels like a twilight zone that we’re still tangled in this struggle for accountability for the worst terrorist attack in our history.” Trump has previously acknowledged that many questions surrounding the attacks remain unanswered, yet has not definitively stated his stance on releasing additional documents related to Saudi ties.

In a statement, a White House spokesperson emphasized Trump’s commitment to transparency and honoring the victims of 9/11, while pointing out the efforts made in releasing substantial documentation in connection to the attacks.

The ceremony also honored first responders who subsequently suffered health issues related to their exposure during the rescue efforts. Jen Nilsen, who lost her husband, reiterated the enduring nature of grief, saying the pain doesn’t lessen over time. “This is where he is,” she affirmed, conveying her dedication to remembrance.

Her message resonated with all present: “Never forget. Even as years pass, the hurt remains.” The ongoing struggles of these families highlight a complicated journey toward accountability and the lasting scars left by that day.