Families of victims from the September 11 attacks are appealing to Howard Lutnick, the current U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, to advocate for the extradition of a Saudi national potentially linked to the attacks. The families represent the hundreds of Cantor Fitzgerald employees who perished when the World Trade Center was struck. They have raised concerns over new evidence suggesting that Omar al-Bayoumi, alleged to be a Saudi intelligence agent, had connections to the attackers.
In a letter addressed to Lutnick, obtained by The New York Times, the families urged him to make a case for al-Bayoumi’s extradition during his upcoming economic discussions with Saudi Arabia. They expressed hope that Lutnick’s position would bolster efforts to uncover the full truth about the attacks, stating, “You are in a unique position to emphasize that any such partnership must begin with accountability and justice.”
Lutnick, who lost his brother in the attacks and saw 658 of his employees die, understands the gravity of the issue firsthand. His firm, which occupied floors 101 to 105 of the North Tower, suffered the highest employee casualties of any company in the attacks. As he prepares to join President Trump on a trip to the Middle East, the families’ letter highlights the principle behind their request: honoring the memory of those lost by seeking accountability.
The families’ letter also referenced a recent “60 Minutes” report, indicating that al-Bayoumi had filmed the Capitol prior to the attacks. They emphasized that such information was withheld from the American public and the September 11 Commission for years, reflecting a sense of betrayal. “That betrayal is staggering,” they wrote. “But now we have an opportunity for a fresh start.”
While British authorities previously seized evidence from al-Bayoumi’s home, including a sketch of an airplane and notes, its relevance to Saudi government involvement remains unclear. The data was not provided to the 9/11 Commission, which deemed al-Bayoumi “an unlikely candidate for clandestine involvement with Islamic extremists.” Despite the lack of definitive proof linking the Saudi government to the attacks, the circumstantial evidence is growing.
In addition to seeking justice, the letter highlights that the appointment of Lutnick offers renewed hope for the families as they push for accountability at the international level. They describe their request as transcending political motivations and focus on fundamental principles that demand justice for the lives tragically lost that day.
Commerce Department officials have opted not to comment on the families’ appeal. However, those close to Lutnick reported that he appreciates the sentiments expressed in the letter. Throughout the years, Cantor Fitzgerald has provided unwavering support to the families of victims, investing $180 million in aid and healthcare to help them recover from the aftermath of the attacks.
As discussions surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations intensify, the call for justice persists, bridging the gaps between personal loss and the intricacies of international diplomacy. The families of the 9/11 victims continue to seek accountability, encouraging Lutnick to approach talks with Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to address unresolved issues from that fateful day.
This ongoing dialogue illustrates not only the enduring pain associated with the September 11 tragedy but also the steadfast resolve of those affected to see justice served, as they confront a complex web of political and international challenges.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/11/us/politics/sept-11-lutnick-saudi-extradition.html
Category : United States Politics and Government,September 11 (2001),Terrorism,Extradition,Cantor Fitzgerald LP,Lutnick, Howard W,Trump, Donald J,Saudi Arabia
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Publish Date: 2025-05-12 05:28:00
