Families of 9/11 Victims Demand Accountability from Saudi Arabia

Terry Strada, a widow of the 9/11 attacks, spoke during the 25th anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero, expressing anger toward Saudi Arabia for avoiding responsibility. Her husband died in the World Trade Center attack.

Strada accused the U.S. government of protecting Saudi Arabia, saying administrations have consistently failed victims’ families over the past 25 years. She claimed, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fomented a rancid culture of anti-American terrorism around the globe.”

“Administration after administration, including leaders in front of us here today, chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families,” Strada added.

She urged Vice President JD Vance, present at the ceremony, to deliver a message to President Donald Trump. Strada implored Trump to demand honesty from Saudi Arabia.

Strada’s husband, Tom Strada, was on the 104th floor of the North Tower at the time of the attack. Just before the tragedy, the couple had welcomed their third child.

Since losing her husband, Terry Strada has been a strong advocate for transparency concerning the Sept. 11 events. She is part of a group suing Saudi Arabia for allegedly supporting the al Qaeda hijackers.

Saudi Arabia has consistently denied these allegations. However, in August, a federal judge ruled there was “reasonable evidence” suggesting involvement by Saudi government employees.

The lawsuit against Saudi Arabia was initially blocked by sovereign immunity protections. This changed when Congress passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016. Though President Obama vetoed JASTA, Congress overrode him, leading to the lawsuit filing in March 2017.

The case is still pending in federal court.