Overview

• U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels denied Saudi Arabia’s motion to dismiss, allowing long-running civil claims to move forward under the 2016 terrorism law.
• The opinion addresses jurisdiction rather than proving the allegations, with the court stressing it is not ruling on the merits.
• Daniels found reasonable evidence tying Saudi nationals Omar al-Bayoumi and Fahad al-Thumairy to assistance for two hijackers who arrived in Southern California in 2000.
• Key exhibits cited include a Bayoumi notebook page with an airplane sketch and calculations and British-obtained videotapes that plaintiffs argue contradict earlier official assessments.
• The decision permits broader discovery and potential depositions of Saudi officials, while the kingdom maintains its denial and could appeal or seek a settlement, according to legal experts.