9/11 Widow Addresses Saudi Arabia During Memorial Ceremony

NEW YORK — A widow whose husband died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks addressed Saudi Arabia directly during the annual memorial ceremony at Ground Zero on Monday.

Monica Iken-Murphy, whose husband, Michael Iken, died when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, stated, "To the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are still waiting for justice."

Iken-Murphy delivered her remarks during the reading of the names of the nearly 3,000 victims. She said, "Still, we have no justice. You can't hide money. You can't hide truth. We are waiting for you."

Families of 9/11 victims have advocated for the declassification of government documents pertaining to the attacks and have pursued legal action against Saudi Arabia. These families allege the Saudi government had a role in the attacks. The Saudi government has consistently denied any involvement.

In 2021, the FBI declassified documents detailing its investigation into alleged logistical support provided to two of the 9/11 hijackers. This information included details about Omar Bayoumi, a Saudi national who lived in San Diego and reportedly assisted the hijackers.

The declassified documents stated that Bayoumi received monthly financial support from Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency through a company affiliated with the Saudi Civil Aviation Presidency. The FBI investigation also found that Bayoumi introduced the hijackers to a Saudi cleric and assisted them with housing, financing, and other logistical needs upon their arrival in Southern California in 2000.

President Biden signed an executive order in 2021 directing the Department of Justice and other agencies to review and release classified documents related to the FBI's investigations into the attacks. The FBI stated it could not establish a direct conspiratorial link between Bayoumi and Saudi government officials, according to the declassified materials.

Several 9/11 victim family groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the extent of information released and have called for further transparency.