Joe Biden to release secret 9/11 files on Saudi Arabia after victims’ families disinvite him from memorial
Ultimatum was delivered on Friday and a review announced by Monday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Joe Biden threw his support behind a “fresh review” of classified documents after families of 9/11 victims said he’s not welcome at 20th-anniversary events unless the secret files are released.
The president said he approves of the Department of Justice reviewing the long-classified material, which families believe will show Saudi Arabian leaders supported the terrorist attack that killed almost 3,000 people.
The move comes after Mr Biden was told by 1,800 family members of 9/11 victims, survivors and first responders that he is not welcome at this year’s memorial unless he declassifies the unreleased evidence.
The ultimatum was made in a letter sent to the White House on Friday, and by Monday the Federal Bureau of Investigation was reviewing what additional information could be released.
Mr Biden said his administration was committed to ensuring the maximum degree of transparency under the law, while adhering to guidance on the invocation of the state secrets privilege.
“In this vein, I welcome the Department of Justice’s filing today, which commits to conducting a fresh review of documents where the government has previously asserted privileges, and to doing so as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement.
In Friday’s letter, the victims’ families said they were hopeful Mr Biden would be the champion of those lost Americans by placing truth, justice and accountability before the interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Twenty years later, there is simply no reason – unmerited claims of ‘national security or otherwise – to keep this information secret,” the letter stated, according to Reuters.
“But if President Biden reneges on his commitment and sides with the Saudi government, we would be compelled to publicly stand in objection to any participation by his administration in any memorial ceremony of 9/11.”
The Justice Department said in a Monday court filing in litigation by the families of victims against Saudi Arabia that the FBI “recently” closed a portion of its investigation into 9/11 and would begin a review of previously secret documents, The New York Times reported.
“The FBI has decided to review its prior privilege assertions to identify additional information appropriate for disclosure,” the department said in a letter. “The FBI will disclose such information on a rolling basis as expeditiously as possible.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments