Landlady to 9/11 hijackers reveals their links to alleged Saudi spy
A former landlady has publicly discussed her connection to a Saudi national accused of assisting 9/11 hijackers. The revelation comes as part of a massive ongoing lawsuit against Saudi Arabia regarding the attacks.
Why it matters
It provides a personal perspective on the individuals involved in the 9/11 plot and highlights the ongoing legal efforts for accountability.
Image caption, Holly Ratchford has decided to speak out publicly for the first time
Holly Ratchford still cannot believe that the man who moved into the residential complex she once managed would go on to be accused of involvement in the darkest day in recent US history.
"It's almost impossible for me to wrap my head around who he said he was, and who he really is. I still struggle with that," she tells the BBC.
The man, Omar al-Bayoumi - a Saudi in his early 40s - moved to the complex in San Diego, California, with his family in September 1999.
The new resident at number 152 Parkwood Apartments quickly became a regular at Ratchford's pool parties. "He was always so bubbly and smiling," she recalls, "and just very, very friendly."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in