Archive · 8 Oct 2026
9/11 Families Seek Trial as Saudi Arabia Challenges Lawsuit
Families of people killed or hurt in the September 11 attacks have been trying for many years to bring a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia.
They say some people linked to the Saudi government or charities helped some of the attackers.
Saudi Arabia denies that its government was involved and says it should be protected from this lawsuit as a country.
A US appeals court heard arguments about whether the case can continue.
A lower-court judge had allowed it to go forward, but that did not mean Saudi Arabia was found responsible.
The appeals judges have not yet made their decision.
The families say they want the chance to present their claims at trial.
They also asked President Donald Trump to press Saudi Arabia to apologize and support their pursuit of accountability.
A federal appeals court in New York heard arguments over whether Saudi Arabia can remain a defendant in the families’ civil lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges Saudi-linked individuals, officials, religious figures, or charities aided hijackers or al-Qaida; Saudi Arabia denies government involvement.
Saudi Arabia argues sovereign immunity protects it from the case, while plaintiffs say their claims should be heard in US court.
A district judge allowed the case to proceed in August 2025 but did not decide whether Saudi Arabia was liable or whether allegations were proven.
Families urged President Donald Trump to pressure Riyadh and support their efforts to seek accountability; the appeals court has not announced when it will rule.
- Who
- Relatives of 9/11 victims, injured survivors, insurers and businesses are plaintiffs; Saudi Arabia is challenging its place in the case.
- What
- A federal appeals court heard arguments on whether a civil lawsuit alleging assistance to 9/11 hijackers can proceed against Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The hearing took place Wednesday, October 7; the article says it is nearly 25 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- Where
- The hearing was in lower Manhattan, before a federal appeals court in New York.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia seeks dismissal on sovereign-immunity grounds, while plaintiffs seek the opportunity to pursue their allegations in court.
Plaintiffs and families
Saudi Arabia
Whether the case should proceed
Plaintiffs and families
The plaintiffs argue the allegations and evidence are sufficient for Saudi Arabia to face the civil lawsuit in a US court.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia argues it is a sovereign state and should be dismissed because the allegations do not overcome sovereign immunity.
Alleged assistance to the hijackers
Plaintiffs and families
The plaintiffs allege that Saudi-linked individuals, including government employees or officials, religious figures, and charities, aided hijackers or people associated with al-Qaida.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has consistently denied that its government was involved in the attacks.
Political pressure and accountability
Plaintiffs and families
Families want President Trump to pressure Saudi Arabia, support their efforts, and seek an apology; they say its status as a US ally should not block accountability.
Saudi Arabia
The article reports Saudi Arabia's position in the legal dispute, but does not describe a specific response to the families’ political appeal.
- Attacks
- The September 11, 2001 attacks killed 2,977 people.
- Hijackers
- Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
- Lawsuits filed
- The civil lawsuits were first filed in 2004.
- District-court ruling
- In August 2025, US District Judge George B. Daniels allowed the case to continue in federal court.
- Appeals hearing
- A three-judge panel heard arguments and did not immediately rule.
- Saudi position
- Saudi Arabia denies government involvement and argues sovereign immunity bars the case.
- Families’ request
- Relatives called on President Donald Trump to pressure Riyadh and support their pursuit of accountability.