FBI releases first declassified document on September 11

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The newly declassified document, which dates from 2016, provides details of the FBI’s work to investigate alleged logistical support that a Saudi consular official and a suspected Saudi intelligence agent in Los Angeles provided to at least two of the men who hijacked planes on September 11. , 2001. The document, published on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks, still contains important redactions.

It details several connections and testimonies that prompted the FBI to suspect Omar al-Bayoumi, who was allegedly a Saudi student in Los Angeles but whom the FBI suspected to be a Saudi intelligence agent. The FBI document describes him as deeply involved in providing “travel assistance, accommodation and funding” to aid the two hijackers.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC, previously said on Wednesday that it “welcomes the release” of the FBI documents and that “any allegation that Saudi Arabia is complicit in the 9/11 attacks is categorically false.”

Former Defense Secretary expresses doubt declassified documents on 9/11 attacks will shed light on Saudi Arabia's role
Biden’s decree came after more than 1,600 people affected by the attacks sent Biden a letter asking him to refrain from going to Ground Zero in New York City to mark the 20th anniversary unless he disclosed information. The letter questioned Saudi Arabia’s role in part, suggesting that members of the Saudi government had been implicated in “supporting the attacks.”
Shortly after the letter, the Justice Department announced that it would review previously withheld information or documents relating to the September 11, 2001 attacks that it may disclose to the public.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said in August that the government informed a Manhattan federal court that the FBI had recently closed an investigation into some 9/11 hijackers.

Although this development followed United States District Court rulings upholding the government’s claims of privilege, the FBI has decided to revisit its previous claims of privilege to identify additional information appropriate for disclosure. The FBI will release. this information on an ongoing basis as quickly as possible, ”the spokesperson said.

Biden praised the DOJ’s decision at the time, saying it followed through on its campaign pledge to get the department to work on releasing 9/11 tapes and doubling down on its commitment to the families of the victims of the attacks. of September 11.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.

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