Mayor Adams, 9/11 Families United, 9/11 Justice, 9/11 Day Release Statements Following Meeting Yesterday

September 1, 2022

New York –New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday met with members of 9/11 Families United, 9/11 Justice, and 9/11 Day to discuss the Saudi-funded women's golf tournament scheduled to be held at Trump Golf Links in October. The group shared their stories and provided FBI reports that have been recently declassified by the Biden administration that reportedly detailed support provided to the hijackers by the Saudi government. They also discussed the inherited contract that currently prevents the city from halting the tournament, despite the pain the Trump Organization's decision has caused the 9/11 community and all New Yorkers. Finally, members of 9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters and World Trade Center Victims shared concerns about the current storage procedures for unidentified human remains, which the administration will review. Following their conversation, Mayor Adams and members of 9/11 Families United, 9/11 Justice, and 9/11 Day released the following statements:

Mayor Adams said, "As we approach the 21st anniversary of the worst terrorist attacks in American history — which cost the lives of 3000 innocent Americans, and New Yorkers in particular — I was honored to meet yesterday with members of the 9/11 community. As someone who was a first responder on 9/11, I was reminded yet again of the horror and heartache that so many families and survivors endured not only on that terrible day more than 20 years ago, but in the years since. This community has fought tirelessly for justice, transparency, and accountability for these attacks, and I will stand with them every step of the way as they continue this fight.

"I appreciated the opportunity to hear firsthand from the 9/11 community about what they have learned about these attacks in just the last few months since the Biden administration declassified thousands of documents. They were clear that they believe the new documents link members of the Saudi government directly to the hijackers, and my administration will closely review this information. They also made clear that the fight isn't over, and we must continue seeking accountability for those who participated in these attacks.

"Finally, it is outrageous that the Trump Organization agreed to host a tournament with this organization while knowing how much pain it would cause New Yorkers. While the city currently has no legal basis to prevent this tournament, I stand with the 9/11 community and shared my deep anger in the decision to host this tournament here where so many suffered so much."

Brett Eagleson from 9/11 Justice said, "Yesterday, a group of 9/11 family members from 9/11 Justice, 9/11 Families United and 9/11 Day had an in-person meeting with New York City Mayor Adams and his team at City Hall to address issues related to the role of Saudi Arabia and many of its governmental officials in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It was an open dialogue, and we are appreciative of the mayor and his staff for their engagement with us.

"We requested of the mayor that he continue to stand with the 9/11 families in our quest for justice and accountability from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the attacks. We reviewed with the mayor and his team some of the substantial evidence gathered about Saudi Arabia's role in 9/11. Much of the details of Saudi Arabia's role has become public during the last year, resulting from President Joe Biden's Executive Order last September to declassify numerous FBI investigative documents from its years-long investigation into Saudi Arabia's role, an investigation which ensued after the conclusion of the 9/11 Commission.

"We appreciate that the mayor and his team committed to joining our pursuit of justice and accountability for the loss of our loved ones and this attack on America, and we look forward to continuing the important dialogue we began with the Adams administration yesterday."

Terry Strada from 9/11 Families United said, "In a meeting yesterday, members from 9/11 Justice and 9/11 Families United discussed the upcoming Saudi-sponsored golf tournament scheduled in October in New York City, and solicited support from Mayor Adams for further transparency and accountability for the murder of our loved ones and injured survivors on September 11. Details about recent U.S. intelligence reports confirming Saudi agents, Saudi state-run charities and banks, and wealthy individuals provided the financial and logistical support needed for the 19 hijackers to carry out the attacks was discussed, further illustrating Saudi complicity in the worst terrorist attack against our nation and need for the administration to prioritize 9/11 accountability.

"While it is disappointing the contractual agreement for the Saudi Aramco golf tournament has legal standing, we understand the mayor's obligation and greatly appreciate his public support for our quest for justice, accountability, and the truth."