New York Court Considers 9/11 Families' Lawsuit Against Saudi Arabia

The Court of Appeals in New York has heard arguments from lawyers representing families of 9/11 victims and the government of Saudi Arabia regarding the potential progression of the families' legal case against the country. Nearly 3,000 individuals died on September 11, 2001, when hijackers took control of four US passenger jets, crashing them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. The families allege that Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi government employee, knowingly aided two of the hijackers and was connected to officials associated with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Bayoumi, now retired, has denied any knowledge of the hijackers' intentions or involvement in the attacks, while Saudi Arabia has categorically denied any allegations of complicity in 9/11. The Kingdom asserts that it has immunity from prosecution in US courts as a foreign sovereign state. The families initially filed the lawsuit in 2002 and lobbied Congress for an amendment to the foreign sovereign immunity law, leading to the passage of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016, which permits civil claims against foreign states for acts of international terrorism. In August 2025, the Manhattan District Court determined that the families had provided sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Saudi Arabia has requested the Court of Appeals to overturn this decision. Counsel Gregory Rapawy argued that key factual issues, including the nature of Bayoumi's employment, have not been resolved and must be addressed before immunity can be lifted. Gavin Simpson, representing the 9/11 families, contended that the District Court had already established that Bayoumi's actions were not those of an innocent bystander but rather aligned with Saudi Arabia's directives. The judges are considering whether to remand the case to the district court for further findings, potentially involving live witness testimony. Judge Guido Calabresi inquired about potential witnesses Saudi Arabia might call, to which Rapawy indicated that Bayoumi's credibility could be a factor. Judge William Nardini concluded the hearing by stating that the case is complex and will be taken under advisement for a future ruling. Outside the courthouse, Terry Strada, whose husband was killed in the attacks, expressed optimism about the hearing, emphasizing the lengthy wait for accountability and justice.