NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsSeptember 10, 2026Hillsborough County
News Report Examines Unreleased FBI Records and Sarasota Ties to 9/11 Hijackers
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
An investigative news report examines ongoing questions surrounding a Sarasota-area Saudi family's alleged connections to multiple 9/11 hijackers, as more than 80,000 FBI documents remain classified 25 years after the attacks. The article details how the family abruptly departed their Florida home weeks before the attacks and notes that while the FBI initially claimed no connection, later internal memos contradicted that statement.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The public remains restricted from accessing over 80,000 federal investigative records concerning potential local support networks for the September 11 hijackers.
Key Facts
- More than 80,000 classified FBI documents related to the 9/11 investigation remain sealed in the agency's Tampa office.
- A prominent Saudi family living in a Sarasota neighborhood had documented ties to multiple 9/11 hijackers, including Mohamed Atta.
- The Sarasota home was owned by Esam Ghazzawi and occupied by his son-in-law Abdulaziz al-Hijji and daughter Anoud.
- Neighbors reported that the al-Hijji family left their Sarasota home unexpectedly in late August 2001, roughly 10 days before the attacks, leaving behind clothing, jewelry, and food.
- An FBI memo released years after the initial investigation indicated there were many connections between the hijackers and the Saudi family, contradicting the agency's initial public statements.
- Investigative journalist Dan Christensen filed a lawsuit against the FBI to gain access to the 80,000 classified documents, which a federal judge agreed to keep sealed.
- Fifteen of the 19 hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks were from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Former Florida Senator Bob Graham led the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into the attacks and stated that crucial information was never provided to Congress or the public.
Who's Mentioned
PersonEsam Ghazzawi“Owner of the Sarasota home, wealthy businessman, and advisor to Saudi Prince Fah”PersonMohamed Atta“Considered one of the leaders of the 9/11 attacks and pilot of the first plane.”OrganizationFlorida Bulldog“News organization founded by Dan Christensen.”locationTampa“Location of the FBI office holding records.”locationWorld Trade Center“Target of the hijacked planes.”PersonAbdulaziz al-Hijji“Occupant of the Sarasota-area home who had ties to multiple terrorists.”OrganizationSenate Intelligence Committee“Congressional committee that investigated 9/11 under Bob Graham.”PersonJohn Major“Former British Prime Minister.”locationPrestancia“Upscale, gated Sarasota neighborhood.”PersonAnoud“Wife of Abdulaziz al-Hijji.”PersonDan Christensen“Investigative journalist and founder of the Florida Bulldog.”locationSarasota“Florida city where the Saudi family resided.”locationKingdom of Saudi Arabia“Country of origin for 15 of the 19 hijackers.”OrganizationFBI“Federal agency that investigated the 9/11 attacks and holds classified documents”PersonGeorge Bush“Former U.S. President.”PersonBenazir Bhutto“Former Pakistani Prime Minister.”locationLongboat Key“Location of Esam Ghazzawi's waterfront mansion.”PersonPrince Fahad“Saudi prince advised by Esam Ghazzawi.”OrganizationUniversity of South Florida“Alma mater of Abdulaziz al-Hijji.”PersonBob Graham“Late Florida Senator who led the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation i”