Saudi Prince’s U.S. Trip Under 9/11 Family Scrutiny
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Families of 9/11 Victims React to Saudi Crown prince’s U.S. Visit
What Happened
The visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the United States this week drew strong reactions from families of the victims of the September 11th attacks. These families have long alleged Saudi Arabian involvement in the attacks, and many are pursuing a federal civil lawsuit to that affect. The Crown Prince met with President Biden, prompting renewed scrutiny and grief from those who lost loved ones on 9/11.
Why It Matters: The Ongoing Pursuit of Justice
The core issue revolves around allegations that Saudi Arabia provided support, directly or indirectly, to the 9/11 hijackers.Moast of the hijackers were Saudi citizens, as was Osama Bin laden, the alleged mastermind. Families believe the Saudi government has not been fully obvious about its potential role and seek accountability through the legal system.
Brett Eagleson’s Perspective
Brett Eagleson, whose father John Eagleson died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. government’s continued engagement with the Crown Prince. he described the visit as “another punch in the gut,” stating that families have felt unsupported by successive administrations for 24 years.
Eagleson noted that this visit felt particularly egregious given a recent federal judge’s conclusion, reached after reviewing thousands of pages of evidence, suggesting a potential link between Saudi Arabia and the attacks. He also highlighted previous interactions between MBS and U.S. presidents – a amiable fist bump with Joe Biden in 2022 and a meeting with Donald Trump in 2018 – as further sources of frustration.
The Legal Battle and Allegations
Numerous 9/11 families have filed a federal civil lawsuit alleging saudi Arabian involvement in the attacks. The lawsuit seeks to hold the Saudi government accountable for damages related to the loss of life and suffering caused by the attacks. The Saudi government consistently denies these allegations.
The core of the lawsuit centers on claims that Saudi officials provided material support to the hijackers, either knowingly or through negligence. Evidence presented to the court includes alleged financial connections and interaction between Saudi individuals and the hijackers.
Timeline of Interactions
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Crown Prince MBS meets with President Donald Trump in the U.S. |
| 2022 | President Joe Biden shares a fist bump with Crown Prince MBS in Saudi Arabia. |
| August 2023 | Federal judge reviews evidence and reaches a conclusion regarding potential Saudi involvement. |
| November 2023 | Crown Prince MBS visits the U.S. and meets with president Biden. |