Psaki: Biden Committed to Declassifying 9/11 Documents
Further steps are in the hands of the Justice Department, press secretary says
With the nation closing in on the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, that should have provided President Biden a ready opportunity to observe the solemn occasion, reaching out to the nation to soothe old wounds, look to the future and attempt to foster some of the unity he has been hoping for — but this far has eluded him.
That's not the way that it's been working out.
Nearly 1,800 family members, survivors and first responders have told the president to stay away from any memorial events this year unless he upholds his pledge to declassify U.S. government evidence that they believe may show a link between Saudi Arabian leaders and the attacks.
Such a public snub on such a momentous occasion would be brutal for any US president — but especially this one, who has promised not only to foster unity in a deeply divided nation, but also to return to the familiar rhythms of a American presidency after four chaotic and strident years of Donald Trump.
However, at her regular press briefing Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that Biden is committed to declassifying documents related to the worst terrorist attack ever on US soil, which saw the tumbling of the World Trade Center towers in New York City, a suicide attack on the Pentagon outside of Washington DC and a jetliner brought down in a field in rural Pennsylvania.
A number of the al-Qaeda terrorists who carried out the attacks — including mastermind Osama bin Laden — were Saudi citizens. And many in — and out — of the September 11 community have long suspected that the US government has been shielding ties between the terrorists and Saudi royalty so as to minimize embarrassment for a nation which has supplied the United States with much of its fossil fuels for decades.
In all, nearly 3,000 lives were lost — and the way of life for Americans going forward would change forever — that bright, sunny day two decades ago.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, especially in these days preceding the 20th anniversary of the attacks coming up just next month,” Psaki said.
The White House Office of Public Engagement, and members of the White House National Security Council staff, have had “several meetings” with groups representing the families of those who perished on September 11, regarding their document requests and “to hear their thoughts on policy priorities,” she said.
“As a candidate … President Biden made a commitment to 9/11 families to ask the Department of Justice to work constructively on resolving issues relating to the previous administration's invocation of the state secrets privilege, including adhering to guidance issued in the Obama-Biden administration that the invocation of such a privilege be narrowly tailored and not be undertaken to prevent embarrassment to a person or organization,” Psaki added. “He remains committed to that pledge he made during the campaign. Of course, any steps would be taken by the Department of Justice.”
Do you find this post of value?
Please share it…