The families of some victims killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks, who worked for the bond trading company Cantor Fitzgerald, are urging Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to assist in the extradition of a Saudi national potentially involved in the attacks. This plea comes as Lutnick prepares to engage in economic discussions with Saudi Arabia.
In a letter addressed to Lutnick, the families referenced recently unsealed evidence indicating that Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi intelligence agent, had connections to the attackers. Lutnick lost his brother, who also worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, during the attacks, and his firm suffered the highest number of employee casualties among affected organizations.
The letter, which includes over 150 signatures, urged Lutnick to advocate for al-Bayoumi’s extradition during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia with President Trump. The families expressed hope that Lutnick’s involvement could bring about accountability and justice related to the attacks. They emphasized that any partnership with Saudi Arabia should be contingent upon addressing these issues.
In the letter, the families noted, “This issue transcends politics; it is a matter of principle,” highlighting the importance of honoring the memories of those lost and seeking accountability from the country linked to their deaths.
Officials from the Commerce Department declined to comment on the matter. A source indicated that Lutnick had seen the letter and valued the sentiments expressed by the family members. Lutnick, who was the firm’s CEO during the attacks, lost 658 employees, including a close friend.
Cantor Fitzgerald has continued to support families affected by the attacks, contributing $180 million and covering their healthcare expenses for a decade. Lutnick expressed a commitment to caring for the families, stating, “They became part of my family.”
In 2014, disagreements arose within the firm regarding the allocation of a settlement from American Airlines related to the aircraft that struck the World Trade Center. Lutnick indicated that the funds should primarily benefit company partners rather than the families of victims, although the final distribution remains unclear.
Details about al-Bayoumi’s possible involvement in the attacks had long been shrouded in secrecy. Recently, evidence seized from his home by British authorities, which ties him to the September 11 hijackers, was made public for the first time. This evidence included a pad with a drawing of an airplane and a mathematical equation.
While the newly released evidence does not definitively link the Saudi government to the attacks, it adds to a growing circumstantial case against al-Bayoumi. The families referenced a recent report that he filmed the U.S. Capitol prior to the attacks, highlighting that such information had been withheld from the public and the 9/11 Commission for years.
The families concluded their letter by stressing the importance of this new opportunity to seek justice, stating, “That betrayal is staggering. But now we have an opportunity for a fresh start.”