9/11 families blast Trump invite to Saudi-backed golf tour

A group of Sept. 11 victims' family members who have long accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the terrorists who carried out the attacks are condemning former President Donald Trump for hosting the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour at his New Jersey course later this month.

Associated Press

Jul 19, 2022, 3:01 PM

Updated 738 days ago

Share:

A group of Sept. 11 victims' family members who have long accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the terrorists who carried out the attacks are condemning former President Donald Trump for hosting the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour at his New Jersey course later this month.
In a letter to Trump on Sunday, family members said they felt "extreme pain, frustration and anger" as a result of Trump's decision to host the controversial Saudi-sponsored league at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for three days starting July 29.
"The evidence against Saudi Arabia and its role in the attacks is more clear than ever and, despite knowing that, former President Trump has accepted their money and is allowing them to enter a state devastated by 9/11," said Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice and the son of a World Trade Center attack victim.
Eagleson's group has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Saudi Arabia of being complicit in the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11, 2001 and has sought the release of classified FBI documents related to the Saudis' role in the attacks.
The Saudi government has denied any involvement in the attacks. But the family members said Trump, a Republican, blamed the Saudis himself in a 2016 Fox News interview. "Who blew up the World Trade Center?" Trump said on "Fox & Friends." "It wasn't the Iraqis — it was Saudi. Take a look at Saudi Arabia. Open the documents."
Requests for comment on the Sept. 11 family group's letter were sent Monday to representatives for Trump.
In an email, Jane MacNeille, LIV Golf's senior vice president for player and franchise communications, said, "These families have our deepest sympathy. While some may not agree, we believe golf is a force for good around the world."
Critics have accused the LIV Golf series, set up as a rival to the PGA Tour, of ignoring Saudi Arabia's record of human rights abuses including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Democratic President Joe Biden met Friday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and said afterward that the prince told him he was "not personally responsible" for Khashoggi's death. "I indicated I thought he was," the president said he replied.
By KAREN MATTHEWS, the Associated Press.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park