Overview

• U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels denied Saudi Arabia’s motion to dismiss, finding plaintiffs offered reasonable evidence that Omar al-Bayoumi and Fahad al-Thumairy assisted two hijackers as agents of the kingdom.
• Daniels emphasized the decision is jurisdictional rather than a determination of liability, noting Saudi explanations were inconsistent and highlighting undisputed help securing apartments and a lease guaranty.
• Evidence cited by the court includes a notebook from Bayoumi with an airplane sketch and calculations, plus videotapes of him filming the U.S. Capitol that plaintiffs say suggest operational scouting.
• The case proceeds under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which allows suits against foreign states for material support of terrorism despite prior probes finding no conclusive link to senior Saudi officials.
• The ruling opens the door to expanded evidence collection and potential depositions, while Saudi Arabia maintains its denials and could pursue an appeal or consider other legal options.