Unsealed Video of Saudi Agent in Washington Before 9/11 Raises New Questions

Newly Unsealed Video Shows Saudi Intelligence Agent Filming Washington Landmarks Before 9/11 Attacks

A recently unsealed 25-year-old video has emerged, featuring a man identified by the FBI as a Saudi intelligence agent filming prominent locations in Washington, D.C., just three months before Al-Qaida's 9/11 attacks. The footage, recorded in the summer of 1999, was revealed in a court action by families of 9/11 victims, who assert that the Saudi government was complicit in the attacks. The video, obtained by CBS and aired on their "60 Minutes" program, has reignited discussions about Saudi Arabia's alleged involvement in the event, claims the Saudi rulers have consistently denied.

The Content of the Video

In the video, Omar al-Bayoumi, the man identified as the Saudi intelligence agent, provides commentary about various locations in Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument and the entry points and security arrangements of the US Capitol building. At one point, he refers to a “plan,” which has raised suspicions about his intentions. The US Capitol was believed to be a target on 9/11, with one hijacked plane crashing in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened.

Background and Discovery

The footage was initially discovered by UK investigators in Bayoumi’s apartment shortly after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. At the time, Bayoumi was a PhD student at Aston University in Birmingham. Alongside the video, investigators found an address book containing contact details of Saudi government officials. Scotland Yard handed over the footage to the FBI.

Bayoumi’s Controversial Connections

Bayoumi’s role has been controversial due to his connections with two of the 9/11 hijackers, Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar. An FBI report declassified in March 2022 suggested there was a “50/50 chance [Bayoumi] had advanced knowledge the 9/11 attacks were to occur” due to his relationship with the hijackers. Another FBI report, declassified in 2021, indicated that Bayoumi provided significant assistance to the hijackers after their arrival in the US and had communications with a key logistics facilitator for Osama bin Laden.

Saudi Arabia’s Denials

Saudi authorities have long denied any involvement in the 9/11 attacks and claim Bayoumi was not their agent. Lawyers representing the Saudi government have sought to dismiss the families’ lawsuit, with oral arguments expected this summer.

Details from the Video

The video is of somewhat grainy quality and was filmed over several days. Bayoumi begins the video in Arabic, greeting his audience and mentioning various landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the proximity of the airport. At one point, he comments on the cars outside an unidentified building, referencing a “plan.” The FBI claims Bayoumi was accompanied by two Saudi diplomats with ties to al-Qaida while filming.

Official Reports

The official 9/11 Commission report, published in 2004, primarily blamed intelligence failures by the CIA and FBI for the attacks. The report stated there was no credible evidence that Bayoumi believed in violent extremism or knowingly aided extremist groups. Additionally, the report mentioned that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the attacks, claimed under interrogation that he did not know Bayoumi.

Ongoing Legal Battle

The unsealed video has added fuel to the ongoing legal battle between 9/11 victims' families and the Saudi government. The families seek to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the attacks, while Saudi authorities maintain their innocence. The case's outcome could have significant implications for US-Saudi relations and the broader understanding of the events leading up to 9/11.