9/11 hijackers' landlady speaks out, details links to alleged Saudi spy

Ratchford managed Parkwood Apartments in San Diego, California, when Bayoumi, a Saudi in his early 40s, moved into unit 152 in September 1999 with his family. He quickly became a fixture at her pool parties — "always so bubbly and smiling," she recalls.

A few months later, Bayoumi introduced Ratchford to two men she describes as "unassuming" and "polite." Those men would hijack American Airlines Flight 77 and crash it into the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. In total, 19 al-Qaeda hijackers commandeered four aircraft that day, including the two that struck the World Trade Center towers and a fourth that crashed in Pennsylvania.

"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," Ratchford told the BBC in her first public account.

Bayoumi's role has long been scrutinised by the 9/11 Commission, which noted he provided extensive assistance to the hijackers. He returned to Saudi Arabia days before the attacks and was never charged. The $1 trillion (£733bn) civil lawsuit now alleges Saudi officials directly supported Bayoumi, whom the plaintiffs describe as a Saudi intelligence asset.

Ratchford said she felt taken in: "Whenever I had parties he would come and be a part of the activities … I enjoyed going over." The experience has haunted her for 25 years.

Why This Matters

First-hand account from someone who directly interacted with the alleged Saudi spy may strengthen the plaintiffs' case in the $1 trillion lawsuit.
The case tests whether Saudi Arabia can be held legally accountable in US courts for alleged support of the hijackers.
The public testimony could pressure the US government to declassify more of the 28 pages of the 9/11 Commission report that were initially kept secret due to Saudi sensitivities.

Background

Omar al-Bayoumi was identified by the 9/11 Commission as a key figure who assisted two of the Flight 77 hijackers, Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hamzi, after they arrived in California in early 2000. He helped them find an apartment, co-signed their lease, and paid their first month's rent. The Commission found no direct evidence that he knew of the plot but noted he was in contact with Saudi officials. Bayoumi denied any intelligence role and has not been charged. The current lawsuit, brought under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, seeks to hold Riyadh directly liable.

Key Perspectives

Holly Ratchford (former landlady): Provides a human dimension to the case, describing Bayoumi as warm and personable, which she now sees as a deliberate front. Her testimony undercuts any claim that the hijackers' support network was invisible to neighbours. 9/11 victims' families and survivors: Have long argued that Saudi Arabia must be held accountable. The $1 trillion figure reflects the economic and emotional toll they attribute to any state role in the attacks. They see Ratchford's story as evidence of a coordinated support operation. Critics/Skeptics: The Saudi government has consistently denied any official involvement in the attacks. Some legal experts note that proving state sponsorship requires evidence of a direct chain of command — not merely friendly assistance from a private individual. Others question whether a jury will find Bayoumi's actions more than coincidental hospitality.

What to Watch

Whether Ratchford's account influences pretrial rulings on discovery and depositions.
Any diplomatic reaction from Saudi Arabia as the lawsuit progresses through US federal courts.
Potential release of additional classified files from the FBI's ongoing investigation into the hijackers' US support network.

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