From ABC7 New York · · 2m
25 years on, 9/11 families want the Saudi files
At the ground zero name reading, victims' families turned the microphone toward the White House and asked for the unredacted truth.
In brief
At the ground zero name reading, victims' families turned the microphone toward the White House and asked for the unredacted truth. Families say the last thing standing between them and answers about Saudi Arabia's alleged role is a decision to declassify, and they are running out of time to see it. Originally…
A memorial turned demand
At the 25th anniversary reading of the names at ground zero, family members used their turn at the microphone to press the federal government on Saudi Arabia.
Terry Strada names names
The widow of Tom Strada, killed at the World Trade Center, drew cheers when she accused past administrations, some seated in front of her, of shielding the kingdom.
“Administration after administration, including leaders in front of us here today, chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families.”
One betrayal after another
Strada said presidents broke promises to the families both publicly and privately. She added that Trump can still break the pattern.
“It has been one betrayal after another.”
A message for Washington
Trump was at the Pentagon ceremony, so Strada aimed her appeal at Vice President JD Vance, who was in the audience, and asked him to carry it back.
“How can it be, 25 years, and still we have no justice for the role Saudi Arabia played in your murder?”
Release the files
A nephew of victim Lisa Marie Terry finished reading names, then asked Trump directly for the unredacted records while surviving relatives are still alive.
“President Trump, you are our last hope.”
The lawsuit behind it
A coalition of families is suing the Saudi government, saying the evidence points to deep complicity. The Saudis deny any role and are fighting the case in court.
“an ally of the United States [and] a sworn enemy of Al Qaeda”
A little-known board
In July, Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler asked the Public Interest Declassification Board, housed at the National Archives, to recommend releasing the records.
Told to wait
The board replied weeks later that it was still in interagency consultations over what equities might remain, and urged patience while those talks continue.
“actively engaged in interagency consultations”
What the records could show
Lawyers for the families believe the material would clarify the timing and nature of the hijackers' communications, and key moments in how the attacks were planned.
Trump and the crown prince
Trump hosted Mohammed bin Salman last November and defended him over family anger. The prince said he feels pain for the families but that both sides have to focus on reality.
“As far as this gentleman is concerned, he's done a phenomenal job.”
The key point
Families say the last thing standing between them and answers about Saudi Arabia's alleged role is a decision to declassify, and they are running out of time to see it.
