New 9/11 footage raises questions about Saudi links and FBI probe

New video footage uncovered by a BBC investigation has raised fresh questions regarding the FBI's handling of the September 11 attacks investigation. The footage shows Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi national, interacting with Anwar al-Awlaki, who later became a prominent leader for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The recordings, which were reportedly in the possession of the FBI shortly after the attacks, depict Bayoumi embracing al-Awlaki and participating in paintball exercises alongside an employee of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Bayoumi has long been a figure of interest due to his alleged connections to hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, who were part of the team that hijacked American Airlines Flight 77. Court documents indicate Bayoumi’s name appeared on a lease for an apartment used by the two hijackers.

These findings are central to a multi-billion dollar lawsuit filed by the families of 9/11 victims against Saudi Arabia. The plaintiffs allege that the kingdom was involved in or provided support to the attackers. Saudi Arabia has consistently and firmly denied all such allegations.