Over 3,000 family members of 9/11 victims are demanding that both former President Trump and Vice President Harris oppose any potential Middle East peace deal with Saudi Arabia unless the kingdom acknowledges its role in the attacks and faces accountability. The families, united under the advocacy group 9/11 Justice, are calling for a complete and transparent investigation into Saudi involvement in the attacks.
Brett Eagleson, head of 9/11 Justice and who lost his father in the World Trade Center, stated that they have been seeking truth, justice, and accountability for 23 years. He highlighted mounting evidence, including “smoking-gun evidence,” that points to the Saudi government’s involvement in supporting the 9/11 hijackers. Despite this evidence, he criticizes the U.S. government for its failure to hold Saudi Arabia accountable.
Both Trump and President Biden have previously pushed for a security deal aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The deal would also include cooperation in civil nuclear energy and defense guarantees against Iran. However, the deal was put on hold after the Hamas attack on Israel last October.
Adding to the mounting evidence, the families point to video footage of a Saudi government agent “casing” the U.S. Capitol as proof of Saudi involvement. This video, obtained by CBS, shows Omar al-Bayoumi, whom the FBI identifies as a Saudi intelligence operative with close ties to two of the 9/11 hijackers, filming the Capitol’s entrances and exits, security posts, and a model of the building. Al-Bayoumi also mentions the nearby airport, points to the Washington Monument, and states that he would “report to you what is in there.” This footage further fuels concerns about potential Saudi involvement in the attacks.
The families, in a letter addressed to both Harris and Trump, are demanding that any Middle East peace deal involving Saudi Arabia must fully address the kingdom’s role in the 9/11 attacks. They are inviting both candidates to meet with them at Ground Zero on the 9/11 anniversary next Wednesday.
Eagleson emphasized that for Saudi Arabia to truly engage with the West and continue its dealings, such as purchasing weapons and nuclear technology, and seeking defense from U.S. troops, the least they can do is admit their fault and acknowledge the role of their government in supporting the hijackers and exporting radical Islamic ideology. He strongly believes that without these actions, the 9/11 attacks would never have occurred.
While acknowledging that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was not involved in 9/11, having been 15 at the time, Eagleson still believes the kingdom must answer for its past actions. He describes MBS as a progressive leader but insists that his efforts do not absolve Saudi Arabia from the sins of its past.
The families of 9/11 victims, formed into 9/11 Justice, have taken legal action against the Saudi government and have persistently pushed for the declassification of all remaining documents related to 9/11. They are deeply frustrated with the lack of progress and the reluctance of the government to address the issue.
Despite Biden signing an executive order in 2021 for the review and declassification of 9/11 documents, Eagleson believes it is ineffective. He points to the fact that the video footage of the Saudi government agent casing the Capitol was obtained from British police, not from U.S. government sources. According to Michael Morrell, former Deputy Director of the CIA, the video was provided to the FBI years ago but was never made available to the 9/11 Commission or the CIA. He expressed astonishment at the video’s absence, stating that if he had seen it, he would have informed the president.
Eagleson raises concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the video, questioning whether Biden, Harris, and Trump have seen it and asking why it was suppressed. He views this secrecy as evidence of a conspiracy and cover-up.
The families’ demands for transparency and accountability from both the U.S. government and Saudi Arabia highlight the ongoing struggle for justice in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Their unwavering determination to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable continues to fuel their fight for justice.
