New York court hears arguments in ongoing 9/11 families' lawsuit against Saudi Arabia

October 7, 2026

A New York appeals court is reviewing whether a lawsuit filed by 9/11 victims' families against Saudi Arabia can proceed to trial. The families claim that Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi government employee, knowingly assisted two hijackers while working within a network of Saudi officials. After years of legal battles and lobbying efforts that led to the 2016 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, a district court ruled in 2025 that sufficient evidence existed to move forward.

Who is affected

Families of nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks
Terry Strada and other relatives who lost loved ones at the World Trade Center
The government of Saudi Arabia
Omar al-Bayoumi, a retired Saudi government employee accused of supporting hijackers
Saudi officials allegedly linked to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs

What action is being taken

The Court of Appeals in New York is hearing arguments from both sides
The court is deciding whether to uphold or reverse the district court's 2025 ruling
Judges are considering whether to send the case back to district court for additional fact-finding with live witness testimony

Why it matters

This case represents a 25-year pursuit of accountability for the September 11 attacks and tests the limits of foreign sovereign immunity in terrorism cases. The outcome will determine whether families can hold a foreign government legally responsible for alleged complicity in the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, setting a significant precedent for how victims can seek justice against nation-states accused of supporting terrorism.

What's next

The appeals court panel will issue a ruling at a future date (no specific timeline provided)
If the case is sent back to district court, additional witness testimony may be taken, potentially including testimony from Omar al-Bayoumi
Depending on the appeals court decision, the case may either proceed to trial or face further legal challenges

Read full article from source: BBC