Federal appeals judges don’t reveal how they’ll rule on Saudi Arabia’s effort to end 9/11 litigation

On October 7, 2026, a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding Saudi Arabia's attempt to dismiss a long-running lawsuit brought by 9/11 victims' families. The Saudi government is appealing an August 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels that allowed the litigation to proceed. While the families allege the Saudi government provided material support to the hijackers through agents and extremists, Saudi attorneys argue for dismissal based on sovereign immunity and a lack of direct government involvement. The judges did not issue an immediate ruling, and a written decision is expected at a later date.

On October 7, 2026, a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding Saudi Arabia's attempt to dismiss a long-running lawsuit brought by 9/11 victims' families. The Saudi government is appealing an August 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels that allowed the litigation to proceed. While the families allege the Saudi government provided material support to the hijackers through agents and extremists, Saudi attorneys argue for dismissal based on sovereign immunity and a lack of direct government involvement. The judges did not issue an immediate ruling, and a written decision is expected at a later date.