⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Second Circuit hears an appeal in litigation brought by families, survivors, and others harmed by the September eleventh attacks. The plaintiffs seek to hold Saudi Arabia responsible for alleged assistance to the hijackers. Their claims focus on two men linked to the Saudi government and their alleged role in helping two hijackers settle in Southern California, including arranging housing and banking. Saudi Arabia denies knowingly supporting the hijackers. After targeted evidence gathering, a New York federal judge refused to dismiss the claims against Saudi Arabia. The kingdom appeals that jurisdictional ruling. Foreign governments are generally immune from suit in U.S. courts. JASTA, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, creates an exception for certain terrorism claims. This appeal concerns whether the evidence meets that exception—not a final determination of responsibility for the attacks. Saudi Arabia will contend that the judge left key factual disputes unresolved and applied the wrong legal standards. The plaintiffs will defend the judge's findings as sufficient to let the case proceed.

In re: Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001 (No. 25-2202) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, argued October 7, 2026.