Sept. 11, 2001: The Road to Justice

The world watched in horror after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., Sept. 11, 2001. A second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, crashed into the World Trade Center’s South Tower minutes later at 9:03 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 later crashed into the Pentagon’s western façade at 9:37 a.m. After a delay in takeoff, passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93 learned of the attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. and fought back against hijackers on the plane, forcing their attackers to crash into a field in Pennsylvania before it could reach its intended target.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the attacks, making the tragedy the deadliest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil. Nineteen hijackers with weapons carried out the attacks and used the planes as missiles in a plan to destroy targets in New York City and Washington D.C.

Survivors and family members of the deceased desperately sought answers and accountability in the tragedy’s wake, and their fight for justice continues to this day. Over the past 20 years they have captured the world’s attention and shone a light on terrorism, enacting laws to hold the supporters of terrorism accountable and sever their financial pipeline.

After the attacks, Motley Rice attorneys led and continue to lead the charge to develop groundbreaking complex litigation against the financiers and material supporters of the terrorist organization al Qaeda.

Motley Rice also launched a worldwide, private discovery effort to uncover the alleged negligence of airlines, security companies and airports in connection with the attacks. At the request of victims’ families and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, our attorneys initiated legal action against airlines and security companies in In re September 11 Litigation, representing 56 of the 96 families that opted out of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in hopes of gaining greater answers, accountability and recourse through consolidated actions against the airlines and security companies responsible for the hijacked planes used in the 9/11 attacks. Our work led our investigators and attorneys to dozens of countries, and an astonishing collection of documents were recovered showing what we believed to be clear knowledge by the carriers and others of their security shortcomings regarding terrorist threats. The resulting settlements shattered a settlement matrix developed and utilized for decades.

In keeping with late Motley Rice co-founder Ron Motley’s “no stone left unturned” discovery philosophy, Motley Rice lawyers are prosecuting the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for September 11 families and survivors demanding accountability for material support provided to al Qaeda.

In a case with more than 7,000 docket filings, it would be impossible to identify all the legal milestones. Here are some of the key events that unfolded over the past 20 years on their road to justice:

2002

Bankrupting Terrorism

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 15, 2002

"We will expose for the world the shady underbelly behind the atrocities of 9/11, leaving those with evil intentions nowhere to hide and no place to escape accountability. As my son Tom told his wife Deena from the cabin of flight 93, ‘we’re going to do something ... Today, we’re going to do something.” —Thomas E. Burnett, Sr. FATHER OF THOMAS BURNETT, JR, UNITED FLIGHT 93

Flanked by September 11 family members during a press conference on Aug. 15, 2002, Motley Rice co-founder Ron Motley announces the filing of groundbreaking litigation against the financiers and material supporters of the terrorist organization al Qaeda.

Bankrupting Terrorism

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 15, 2002
2002

September 11 Families & Survivors take action

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 15, 2002

Press Release: September 11 Families Take Groundbreaking Action to Expose Terrorist Financing Schemes, Cut Off Money Pipeline.

September 11 Families & Survivors take action

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 15, 2002
2002

Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al.

Aviation Litigation
September 9, 2002

The family of United Flight 175 passenger Mark Bavis files Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al. on Sept. 9, 2002, alleging the defendants were liable for airport security checkpoint failures, poor training, faulty cockpit doors and failure by the airline industry to acknowledge and adequately respond to government warnings about terrorist threats.

Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al.

Aviation Litigation
September 9, 2002
2002

The Spanish documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 20, 2002

In September 2002, Motley Rice releases major new findings by the firm’s investigative team that were exclusively obtained from the government of Spain and link members of the Saudi royal family to money laundering efforts that support terrorists. The firm’s efforts are later furthered by an Order from Judge Robertson for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia requesting the Spanish authorities provide all of the underlying data contained in their indictments of the Spanish-Saudi al Qaeda money laundering schemes.

The Spanish documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 20, 2002
2002

The criminal trial of Mounir el-Motassadeq in Germany

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 2002

Motley Rice intervenes in the criminal trial of Mounir el-Motassadeq in Germany and later receives approximately 45,000 pages of material that were considered for introduction in the German trial.

The criminal trial of Mounir el-Motassadeq in Germany

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 2002
2002

New documents from Spanish-Saudi money laundering schemes

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
October 11, 2002

Motley Rice moves for and is granted an order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that requests that the Spanish authorities provide all underlying data contained in their indictments of Spanish-Saudi money laundering schemes. The firm receives approximately 37,000 pages of documents, as well as surveillance video prepared by Ghasoub Al-Abrash Ghalyoun, one of the members of the Spanish al Qaeda cell. Motley Rice was able to share key pieces of evidence with the German prosecutors and our own government.

New documents from Spanish-Saudi money laundering schemes

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
October 11, 2002
2002

The 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism open letter to President Bush

Legislation
November 1, 2002

"Since we, as American civilians, are now the prime targets of our enemies in this war, we are entitled to strike back using the law as our weapon. We have a right to the truth and to justice.” —Members of the Steering Committee  9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism

Met with resistance at the outset of their fight for justice, the 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism pen an open letter to President Bush seeking support.

The 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism open letter to President Bush

Legislation
November 1, 2002
2002

The Bosnian documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Late 2002

Motley Rice travels to Bosnia several times in 2002 to request documents that were seized in a series of FBI raids of Bosnian charities. The firm meets with members of the Supreme Court of Bosnia Herzegovina in October, prompting three Orders from the Court directing the U.S. government to return the 'Bosnian' documents that were seized, and to provide a copy of the materials to the 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism for use in the civil action.

The Bosnian documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Late 2002
2002

Litigating Terror – Tobacco Lawyer Takes on Saudis in a Sept. 11 Suit

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 12, 2002

On Dec. 12, 2002, The Wall Street Journal features Ron Motley in its article, “Litigating Terror – Tobacco Lawyer Takes on Saudis in a Sept. 11 Suit.”

Litigating Terror – Tobacco Lawyer Takes on Saudis in a Sept. 11 Suit

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 12, 2002
2003

September 11 family members and survivors provide statements at al Qaeda co-conspirator Mounir Motassadeq’s trial

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
January 30, 2003

September 11 family members and survivors represented by Motley Rice make victim impact statements before the German Court in the criminal trial of al Qaeda co-conspirator Mounir Motassadeq ahead of his conviction.

September 11 family members and survivors provide statements at al Qaeda co-conspirator Mounir Motassadeq’s trial

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
January 30, 2003
2003

The “Golden Chain”

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 2003

In March 2003, the U.S. prosecutor in Chicago sends 750,000 pages of the seized Bosnian documents to Motley Rice, including the critical “Golden Chain” document that lists the major financial contributors to the formation of al Qaeda and minutes describing the formation of al Qaeda, its pledge, and membership requirements, marketing strategy and much more.

The “Golden Chain”

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 2003
2003

September 11 Families letter to U.S. Senate

Legislation
May 12, 2003

September 11 Families to U.S. Senate: Don’t Disarm Us in the War on Terrorism!

September 11 Families letter to U.S. Senate

Legislation
May 12, 2003
2003

Special Report: The King of Torts vs. al-Qaida Inc.

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 23, 2003

"My clients are patriots above all else. They decided that even if it’s a one-way street, we would give the government all our documentary evidence. But we didn’t want the information to go down a black hole.” —ATTORNEY RONALD L. MOTLEY, MOTLEY RICE

On June 23, 2003, The Post and Courier features the Motley Rice legal team for the September 11 families and survivors in its article, “Special Report: The King of Torts vs. al-Qaida Inc.”

Special Report: The King of Torts vs. al-Qaida Inc.

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 23, 2003
2004

Can a trial lawyer expose Saudi complicity in terrorism?

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 14, 2004

“Can a trial lawyer expose Saudi complicity in terrorism?” The New York Times Magazine features Motley Rice co-founder Ron Motley on March 14, 2004.

Can a trial lawyer expose Saudi complicity in terrorism?

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 14, 2004
2004

Spanish wiretaps and financial transactions

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Early 2004

Spain provides documents containing information on wiretaps and financial transfers of money directly to the 9/11 hijackers in the United States, as well as evidence of operational planning meetings in Spain as late as June of 2001.

Spanish wiretaps and financial transactions

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Early 2004
2004

9/11 files show warnings were urgent and persistent

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
April 18, 2004

[collage of memo titles reading: Bin Laden Threats are Real Bin Laden Planning Multiple Operations Islamic Extremist Learns to Fly Bin Laden Threatening to Attack U.S. Aircraft UBL Plans for Reprisals Against U.S. Targets, Possibly in U.S. Bin Laden's Plans Advancing] "F.B.I. informaton . . . indicates patterns of suspicious activity in this country consistent with preparations for hijackings or other types of attacks.” —Aug. 6 memo, WH intelligence briefing

As federal investigations into the 9/11 attacks intensify, The New York Times publishes its article, “9/11 Files Show Warnings Were Urgent and Persistent,” on April 18, 2004.

9/11 files show warnings were urgent and persistent

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
April 18, 2004
2004

The 9/11 Commission Report

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
July 22, 2004

On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission, releases its official findings on the events that led up to the terrorist attacks. Former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean chaired the bipartisan Commission and oversaw the review of millions of pages in documents, and interviews involving more than 1,200 across several countries during the nearly 2-year investigation.

The 9/11 Commission Report

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
July 22, 2004
2004

The Niaz Khan Interview

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 4, 2004

Motley Rice attorney for the September 11 families and survivors Michael Elsner interviews Niaz Khan. A citizen of the U.K., born in Pakistan, Khan asserts he defected from al Qaeda in 2000 and warned the FBI of impending plans to attack U.S. civilians.

The Niaz Khan Interview

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 4, 2004
2005

Judge Richard Conway Casey rules on a motion to dismiss

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
January 18, 2005

U.S. District Judge Richard Conway Casey rules on a motion to dismiss the 9/11 litigation.

Judge Richard Conway Casey rules on a motion to dismiss

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
January 18, 2005
2005

Spanish court receives 9/11 commission report

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Early 2005

In 2005, Motley Rice continues to cooperate with the Spanish criminal prosecution of al Qaeda by Judge Baltasar Garzon, including providing the Spanish Court with a certified copy of the 9/11 Commission & Joint Congressional Intelligence Committee Findings.

Spanish court receives 9/11 commission report

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
Early 2005
2005

Database uncovers links terrorists work to conceal

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 5, 2005

"Follow the money and you will identify the financial infrastructure that supports Islamic terrorism . . . without money, terrorist networks may dry up, preventing future attacks.”

On June 5, 2005, The Post and Courier reports on Motley Rice’s growing trove of records detailing the scope of the attacks and the financial backing of global terrorism in its article, “Database uncovers links terrorists work to conceal.”

Database uncovers links terrorists work to conceal

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 5, 2005
2006

The prosecution of al Qaeda member Zacarias Moussaoui

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
April 7, 2006

In this court case, I've often been surprised by the amount of things that are kept from the public ... We need to be careful not to be so in love with secrecy that we lose our core values.” —Judge Leonie Brinkema sentencing trial of Zacarias Moussaoui

Ron Motley argues for the release of key documents April 7, 2006 during a hearing regarding the prosecution of al Qaeda member Zacarias Moussaoui.

The prosecution of al Qaeda member Zacarias Moussaoui

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
April 7, 2006
2006

Dulles International Airport security footage

Aviation Litigation
July 31, 2006

Video submitted into evidence on July 31, 2006 shows five hijackers going through security at Dulles International Airport Gov’t Ex. NT00211 in U.S. v. Zacarias Moussaoui.

Dulles International Airport security footage

Aviation Litigation
July 31, 2006
2007

Settlements do not deter September 11 plaintiffs seeking trials

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 19, 2007

"The wheels of justice turn excruciatingly slow . . . My desire and goal is to try to find some answers . . . I want somebody to tell me why that happened.” —Mike Low, father of Sara Low, flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11

Fourteen settlements are announced in September 2007 for some survivors and families of the September 11 victims, while others maintain their desire to see their case through to trial. The settling families and survivors “had reached a point where they were satisfied that the mix of their motivations — from compensation to accountability, to answers — was satisfied,” Motley Rice attorney Don Migliori tells The New York Times in the article, “Settlements Do Not Deter 9/11 Plaintiffs Seeking Trials.”

Settlements do not deter September 11 plaintiffs seeking trials

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 19, 2007
2009

September 11 families and survivors respond to U.S. administration's support of Saudi royal family

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
May 29, 2009

Several family members of 9/11 victims have issued a statement on behalf of the 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism in response to the Solicitor General's refusal to support the September 11 families' Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, May 29, the Justice Department filed a brief with the high court supporting the Saudi royal family's argument of sovereign immunity from the 9/11 terrorist financing lawsuit.

September 11 families and survivors respond to U.S. administration's support of Saudi royal family

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
May 29, 2009
2009

JASTA introduced in the Senate

Legislation
December 23, 2009

Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduce the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) on Dec. 23, 2009. The bill seeks, in part, to amend federal judicial code to remove prohibitions that barred civil actions in U.S. courts against foreign states with regards to terrorist acts committed against U.S. citizens.

JASTA introduced in the Senate

Legislation
December 23, 2009
2009

U.S. Embassy cables from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 30, 2009

Saudi Arabia constitutes the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide. ... Saudi Arabia remains a critical financial support base for al-Qaeda, the Taliban, LeT, and other terrorist groups..." - Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State

In U.S. embassy cables dated Dec. 30, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton states “Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide. … Saudi Arabia remains a critical financial support base for al-Qa’ida, the Taliban, LeT, and other terrorist groups… ”

U.S. Embassy cables from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 30, 2009
2011

New ruling in Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al.

Aviation Litigation
September 7, 2011

On Sept. 7, 2011, the Judge overseeing Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al. rules that United Airlines and Huntleigh USA have to prove "only that they adhered to federal aviation safety standards, and didn't have to meet the state standards of wrongful death that the plaintiffs had sought." The defendants later file a motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the case. In response, the Bavis family files a 100-page response with 127 exhibits, giving an outline of what the family intends to present at trial to prove the alleged negligence on the part of United and Huntleigh.

New ruling in Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al.

Aviation Litigation
September 7, 2011
2011

9/11 aviation security: Final wrongful death lawsuit reaches resolution

Aviation Litigation
September 17, 2011

On Sept. 19, 2011, the Bavis family reaches an agreement with United Airlines and Huntleigh USA, bringing to an end nearly a decade of wrongful death litigation in connection with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Bavis v. United Airlines Corporation et al.

9/11 aviation security: Final wrongful death lawsuit reaches resolution

Aviation Litigation
September 17, 2011
2011

List of JASTA co-sponsors continues to grow

Legislation
December 12, 2011

In a letter dated Dec. 12, 2011, the 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism express their gratitude to the growing number of co-sponsors of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) S.1894: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

List of JASTA co-sponsors continues to grow

Legislation
December 12, 2011
2012

Former senators go on record

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
February 29, 2012

On Feb. 29, 2012, The New York Times publishes its article, “Saudi Arabia May Be Tied to 9/11, 2 Ex-Senators Say.”

Former senators go on record

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
February 29, 2012
2012

September 11 widow and former senator interviewed about alleged Saudi connection

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 20, 2012

U.S. Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL) joins September 11 widow Terry Strada on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss their continued demands that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia be brought to justice.

September 11 widow and former senator interviewed about alleged Saudi connection

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 20, 2012
2013

Ronald L. Motley (1944-2013)

August 22, 2013

"Ron was a true giant of the legal profession. A trail blazer and innovator. A charismatic master of the courtroom. A tenacious interrogator ... All marked by unmatched courage in going after any wrongdoer, no matter how big and powerful, and by his bottomless well of compassion for those who had been wronged." - Joseph F. Rice, Motley Rice Co-founder

Eleven years after leading the charge for September 11 families and survivors, Ron Motley sadly passes away on Aug. 22, 2013 at the age of 68.  Motley Rice reaffirms its commitment to carry forward in his memory.

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Ronald L. Motley (1944-2013)

August 22, 2013

"Ron was a true giant of the legal profession. A trail blazer and innovator. A charismatic master of the courtroom. A tenacious interrogator. The greatest trial lawyer ever. All marked by unmatched courage in going after any wrongdoer, no matter how big and powerful, and by his bottomless well of compassion for those who had been wronged."

2013

Second Circuit reverses decision that had dismissed claims

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 19, 2013

"Christmas has come early to the 9/11 families. We're going to have our day in court.” —William Doyle, -Father of Joseph Doyle WTC North Tower collapse

On Dec. 19, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reverses an earlier decision that had dismissed claims against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi High Commission.

Second Circuit reverses decision that had dismissed claims

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 19, 2013
2014

9/11 Families letter to President Obama

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 24, 2014

"The infrastructure created by a foreign government to support some of the 19 terrorists while in the United States did not simply disappear when the smoke cleared and thousands of people were dead.” —9/11 FAMILES UNITED FOR JUSTICE AGAINST TERRORISM

On June 24, 2014, the 9/11 Families United For Justice Against Terrorism pen a letter to President Obama demanding the release of 28 redacted pages that were withheld from the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001. In 2002, at the time of the report’s release, then President George W. Bush, said the pages would “damage American intelligence operations, revealing ‘sources and methods that would make it harder for us to win the war on terror.’”

9/11 Families letter to President Obama

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 24, 2014
2014

SCOTUS declines to hear defense’s appeal

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 30, 2014

On June 30, 2014 the U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear a defense appeal of the litigation, allowing claims to move forward against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

SCOTUS declines to hear defense’s appeal

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
June 30, 2014
2014

The Foreseeability Timeline

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 11, 2014

Motley Rice donates a 77-page “Foreseeability Timeline” to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, outlining events over several decades that should have alerted authorities to the possibility of an imminent attack.

The Foreseeability Timeline

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 11, 2014
2014

Did terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui meet with a Saudi prince and princess?

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
November 17, 2014

In November 2014, terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui alleges that he previously met with a Saudi prince and princess who provided funding in support of the 9/11 hijackers.

Did terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui meet with a Saudi prince and princess?

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
November 17, 2014
2014

Senate report personal to September 11 Families & Survivors

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 11, 2014

"There is a report that ... we have been fighting for wrelve years to get declassified, because it talks about who funded 9/11, who was behind 9/11, why am I living without a husband, why are my children living without a father... Until we go back and find out, and let the American people know who was behind 9/11, I don't think we're ever going to be safe." - Terry Strada, wife of Thomas Strada WTC North Tower Collapse

September 11 widow Terry Strada appears on CNN to discuss the release of a controversial report detailing “enhanced interrogation” methods used by the CIA against suspected terrorists.

Senate report personal to September 11 Families & Survivors

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 11, 2014
2015

Pressure to release the 28 Pages increases

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
February 5, 2015

Calls increase for the release of the 28 redacted pages that were withheld from the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001.

Pressure to release the 28 Pages increases

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
February 5, 2015
2016

Calls to pass JASTA intensify

Legislation
July 14, 2016

The House Committee on the Judiciary holds a hearing on July 14, 2016 as calls for the passing of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act intensify.

Calls to pass JASTA intensify

Legislation
July 14, 2016
2016

28 Pages finally brought to light

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
July 15, 2016

Both the FBI and the CIA have informed the Committees that they are treating the Saudi issue seriously. According to the November 18, 2002 FBI response, the FBI and CIA have established a working group to look into the Saudi issue. The FBI formed a squad at the Washington Field Office [redacted] to investigate this issue and [redacted] [additional 7 lines of text redacted]

The U.S. government releases the missing 28 pages from the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001 report on July 15, 2016, roughly 14 years after the documents were first hidden in a vault under the Capitol.

28 Pages finally brought to light

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
July 15, 2016
2016

JASTA becomes law

Legislation
September 28, 2016

Views from the House of Representatives. Veto Override of 9/11 Lawsuit. Displays votes from the floor affirming the veto.

On Sept. 28, 2016, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives vote to override a presidential veto of JASTA, following President Obama’s veto of the bill on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.  In overriding the veto and clearing the way for the law, Congress ensures that foreign sponsors of terrorist attacks in the U.S. can be held accountable in U.S. civil courts, abolishing foreign governments’ immunity for their role in supporting terror attacks on U.S. soil.

JASTA becomes law

Legislation
September 28, 2016
2017

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is brought back into the lawsuit

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 17, 2017

The September 11 victims, survivors and families file an amended complaint adding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a defendant in the civil litigation.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is brought back into the lawsuit

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 17, 2017
2017

9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit travels to Mt. Pleasant SC

September 8, 2017

Forgotten Heroes 9/11 NYFD wall

Motley Rice sponsors the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit travels to Mt. Pleasant SC

September 8, 2017
2018

Federal Judge: 9/11 litigation against Saudi Arabia may proceed

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 28, 2018

Litigation filed by the September 11 families and survivors overcomes a motion to dismiss from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 28, 2018. The federal judge overseeing the case finds that plaintiffs’ allegations met required standards for the case to move forward under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). In addition to denying the defense’s motion, U.S. District Judge George Daniels for the Southern District of New York also grants a plaintiffs’ request seeking to conduct targeted jurisdictional discovery.

Federal Judge: 9/11 litigation against Saudi Arabia may proceed

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
March 28, 2018
2018

Judge declines to seal Saudi documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 27, 2018

On Aug. 27, 2018, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn declines to seal more than 6,000 pages in documents produced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Judge declines to seal Saudi documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 27, 2018
2019

The Terrorism Files

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 10, 2019

"Fighting the Saudis was difficult, but fighting our own government sometimes was even worse. But we’re in it for the long haul.” —Terry Strada,  wife of Thomas Strada - wtc North Tower collapse

The Post and Courier publishes “The Terrorism Files: 18 years after 9/11, an SC man’s lawsuit against foreign government kicks into high gear,” featuring Motley Rice attorney Robert Haefele on Sept. 10, 2019.

The Terrorism Files

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 10, 2019
2019

DOJ declassifies additional documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 12, 2019

On Sept. 12, 2019, the Department of Justice files a document explaining, “In light of the exceptional nature of this case, the FBI has determined to exercise its discretion, pursuant to section 3.1 (d) of Executive Order 13526, to declassify the name of the third main subject in the public interest and to release that name to counsel for the parties under the FBI Protective Order.” However, it added that “[t]he remaining information that has been redacted from the 2012 Summary Report remains classified and/or privileged and protected from disclosure.”

DOJ declassifies additional documents

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
September 12, 2019
2020

Saudi officials to sit for depositions

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 27, 2020

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn issues an order requiring Saudi officials to sit for depositions.

Saudi officials to sit for depositions

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
August 27, 2020
2020

New pleadings filed against the Republic of Sudan

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
November 20, 2020

The PEC file supplemental pleadings against The Republic of Sudan, adding allegations to the original lawsuit.

New pleadings filed against the Republic of Sudan

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
November 20, 2020
2020

Court sets deadline for depositions of the Saudi fact witnesses

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 1, 2020

The Court sets a June 30, 2021 deadline for completion of depositions of the Saudi fact witnesses and, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, parameters on how the parties could conduct depositions.

Court sets deadline for depositions of the Saudi fact witnesses

Anti-Terrorism Litigation
December 1, 2020
2021

President Biden signs order for review and declassification of documents

September 3, 2021

The Executive Order requires a declassification review of documents from the U.S. governments’ investigation into the 9/11 attacks, sets a process for that review, and creates oversight and accountability reporting obligations for the “justification for each decision not to declassify information."

President Biden signs order for review and declassification of documents

September 3, 2021
2021

Looking Forward

September 11, 2021

On behalf of plaintiffs, Motley Rice continues to press for transparency, accountability and a trial on the merits. Depositions of Saudi fact witnesses were conducted in earnest and completed June 30, 2021 in preparation for an eventual trial. Plaintiffs disclosed experts they intend to use in the case against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Aug. 4, 2021. As of Sept. 11, 2021, plaintiffs have conducted depositions of 18 fact witnesses with firsthand knowledge of the attacks for claims against Saudi Arabia. Ten defense experts and six experts for plaintiffs also testified regarding claims against charities.

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Looking Forward

September 11, 2021

The 9/11 families and survivors continue to push for the release of key documents that have been kept hidden but are believed to detail the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in the attacks.  Joined by several family members of 9/11 victims, Sens. Bob Menendez and Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation on Aug. 5 seeking the release of thousands of documents that are believed to hold long-hidden details regarding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in supporting the terrorist attacks. The announcement came weeks ahead of the 20th memorial of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. President Biden signed an Executive Order roughly a month after the legislation was introduced, to require a declassification review process of documents. We will watch closely in coming months as the process commences.

Watch the press conference held by the 9/11 families, survivors and Sens. Menendez and Blumenthal.

Learn more on how 9/11 families, survivors and others can get involved in the ongoing push for justice and transparency.