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9/11 families pack New York appeals court as judges refuse to let Saudi Arabia off the hook over hijacker support claims

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

9/11 families pack New York appeals court as judges refuse to let Saudi Arabia off the hook over hijacker support claims

Terry Strada, who lost her husband Tom in the attacks, said judges "hammered the Saudi attorneys and didn't let up." The three-judge panel, which appeared sceptical of Riyadh's sovereign immunity defence, is yet to say when it will rule.

Saudi Arabia is appealing an August 2025 Manhattan court ruling that found "reasonable evidence" it ran a support network for some of the hijackers.

Families' lawyer Gavin Simpson drew brief applause from the gallery after completing his arguments — prompting judge William Nardini to remind the courtroom: 'Please, this is not a moment for such things.'

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