September 11th Remembered: Justice Advances Against Saudi Arabia

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The events of that day resulted in the deaths of 2,977 individuals—including civilians, first responders, and military personnel—and permanently altered the lives of thousands of families, survivors, and communities. The legacy of these attacks continues to shape our national consciousness, our legal system, and ongoing efforts to obtain justice.

September 11th was a turning point, not only for the country, but also for those engaged in the complex work of seeking accountability for terrorism. In the years since, many have worked to push past political obstacles and diplomatic sensitivities to ensure responsible parties are held to account.

Federal courts have already recognized the liability of certain state actors. For example, Iran has been found civilly liable in multiple U.S. judgments for providing material support to al-Qaeda and facilitating the attacks.

Other state actors have evaded responsibility. For years, 9/11 families have sought to hold Saudi Arabia accountable based on evidence that some Saudi officials and agents provided material support to al-Qaeda before the attacks. The 9/11 Commission documented troubling connections, and subsequent declassified records have expanded concerns about direct and indirect Saudi involvement in fostering or facilitating the al-Qaeda network.

Despite those links, Saudi Arabia has successfully avoided litigation on the merits for nearly two decades, asserting sovereign immunity and mounting aggressive procedural and political defenses. In 2016, Congress enacted the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which created a statutory pathway for U.S. victims to pursue civil claims against foreign states accused of supporting terrorism. Despite this new law, litigation has remained fiercely contested.

Last month, in a major development, Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York denied Saudi Arabia’s latest motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed. For the first time, the Kingdom must answer the allegations on the merits, opening the door to discovery and potential accountability.

For the families and survivors who have carried this burden for 24 years, the ruling is a meaningful and long-awaited step. It recognizes their right to seek the truth and to pursue justice using the tools our system provides.

At Fox McKenna PLLC, we continue to support 9/11 families and survivors in their pursuit of accountability. We remember those who were lost, honor the sacrifices made, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that legal recourse remains available to those harmed by terrorism and wrongful conduct.