Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the federal government will proceed with releasing more records concerning the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He emphasized that any withheld documents are kept secret strictly to protect genuine classified information rather than to shield Saudi Arabia or any other foreign government. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CBS News, Blanche addressed ongoing frustrations from 9/11 family members who renewed pressure on the administration during the 25th-year commemoration ceremonies at Ground Zero. For decades, thousands of victims’ relatives have pursued a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia over potential support given to the hijackers. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals, though the Saudi government has consistently denied direct involvement. Recent years have seen the disclosure of various investigative materials through the ongoing litigation, including a video of figure Omar al-Bayoumi filming U.S. Capitol entrances and an airplane sketch recovered from his apartment. Families argue that successive administrations have protected foreign interests, with advocates like Families United chair Terry Strada publicly criticizing past leaders during the anniversary readings. President Trump remarked that he would review the matter upon returning to Washington from a trip to Ireland. Meanwhile, the CIA recently declassified 71 President’s Daily Brief products, marking a substantial release of pre- and post-attack intelligence materials, though these files do not encompass the specific records demanded by the families. Blanche did not provide a specific timeline for the forthcoming record releases, but assured families seeking answers that additional material is on the way.
Source: cbsnews.com
