A group 1,800 family members of Americans who died in the Sept. 11th attacks has written President Biden urging him not to visit any memorials to the incident until he agrees to declassify government information on the role of Saudi Arabia.
The families and people directly impacted by the attacks are demanding Biden uphold a campaign statement to err on the side of putting out government information – and say they won't support him visiting Ground Zero to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
'Twenty years later, there is simply no reason – unmerited claims of “national security” or otherwise – to keep this information secret,' the letter signed by 1,800 family members and others said.
A group of 1,800 Sept. 11th families say they cannot 'in good faith' welcome Biden to visit 9/11 memorials unless he has met a commitment to release government information on any role by Saudi Arabia
'We understand President Biden's desire to mark the solemn occasion of the 20th anniversary at Ground Zero. However, we cannot in good faith, and with veneration to those lost, sick, and injured, welcome the president to our hallowed grounds until he fulfills his commitment,' they wrote.
Brett Eagleson, who's father Bruce Eagleson was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center, and other signatories point to Biden's nuanced commitment in a 2020 letter to the families, who have also brought litigation against the government of Saudi Arabia seeking compensation.
'I intend to be a President for all Americans, and will hear all of their voices. The 9/11 Families are right to seek full truth and accountability,' Biden told them.
'I will direct my Attorney General to personally examine the merits of all cases where the invocation of privilege is recommended, and to err on the side of disclosure in cases where, as here, the events in question occurred two decades or longer ago,' he said.
