Written by John Miller.
In a stunning turn of events, 60 Minutes has unveiled a video revealing a critical piece of evidence related to the 9/11 attacks. The video, which has been in FBI possession for over two decades, shows Saudi national Omar al-Bayoumi conducting surveillance around Capitol Hill in June 1999. Al-Bayoumi is alleged to have aided at least two of the 9/11 hijackers, raising serious questions about the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. in the context of the attacks.
As al-Bayoumi walks around the Capitol, he is heard saying, “I am transmitting these scenes to you from the heart of the American capital, Washington.” This footage, revealed amid ongoing lawsuits by the victims’ families against Saudi Arabia, has reignited debates about the extent of foreign involvement and the possible cover-up by U.S. agencies.
The Implications of the New Evidence
This revelation is particularly significant considering the speculated target of Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. Many investigators believe that the Capitol building was indeed the intended target. Former FBI agent and 9/11 investigator Richard Lambert expressed his firm belief that al-Bayoumi was conducting pre-operational surveillance, not merely filming a tourist video as the Saudi government claims.
Lambert stated, “One of the first things you see flying into DC is the Washington Monument. If you know where other targets are in relation to the monument, it helps guide you to your intended target.” This critical piece of evidence suggests that al-Bayoumi was meticulously planning the attacks with direct communication to his al-Qaeda handlers.
The CIA Connection and Its Implications
Perhaps more unsettling than the video itself is the claim that al-Bayoumi was not only an agent for Saudi Prince Bandar but also a CIA asset. This information has surfaced from proceedings against 9/11 defendants at Guantanamo Bay. Office of Military Commissions investigator Don Canestraro revealed that the CIA had attempted to recruit two of the hijackers as informants, using al-Bayoumi as a conduit.
According to Canestraro, at least two FBI agents confirmed that the CIA was actively trying to turn the hijackers into assets. This revelation points to a much deeper and more complicated relationship between U.S. intelligence agencies and the terrorists responsible for 9/11.
The Enigma of Delayed Disclosure
The timing of this video’s release, more than 20 years after the attacks, raises critical questions. The 60 Minutes reporter highlighted the mystery: “British police are believed to have turned over the video to the FBI shortly after 9/11. Why, after more than 20 years, is it just now surfacing?” This delayed disclosure fuels suspicions of a potential cover-up and has left many wondering about the real reasons behind this prolonged silence.
Our Take
The emergence of this video and the subsequent revelations about al-Bayoumi’s connections to both the Saudi government and the CIA are deeply troubling. It not only underscores the need for greater transparency but also highlights potential failings within our intelligence agencies. The American public deserves to know the full extent of foreign involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the possible complicity of our own government in covering up these details. It is imperative to scrutinize these relationships to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families.