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

A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Manhattan regarding Saudi Arabia's attempt to be dismissed from a long-running lawsuit involving the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Kingdom is appealing a 2025 lower court ruling that allowed the case to proceed on sovereign immunity grounds. While the judges questioned both sides extensively, they did not issue an immediate ruling on whether the lawsuit, which alleges Saudi officials provided support to the hijackers, can move toward a trial. The proceedings were attended by more than 100 family members of 9/11 victims.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Manhattan regarding Saudi Arabia's attempt to be dismissed from a long-running lawsuit involving the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Kingdom is appealing a 2025 lower court ruling that allowed the case to proceed on sovereign immunity grounds. While the judges questioned both sides extensively, they did not issue an immediate ruling on whether the lawsuit, which alleges Saudi officials provided support to the hijackers, can move toward a trial. The proceedings were attended by more than 100 family members of 9/11 victims.