A Saudi national who was under investigation by the FBI checked a security checkpoint on the southwest U.S. border prior to the 9/11 attacks, according to 28 pages from a 2002 joint inquiry released by the House Intelligence Community on Friday.
The unnamed individual also discussed the possibility of smuggling terrorists into the U.S., the report reads:
The report lays out several new connections between members of the Saudi Royal Family and two 9/11 hijackers.
The report also points to a 1999 incident on board an America West flight from Phoenix to Washington D.C. that investigators came to believe was a “dry run” for the 9/11 attacks.
A terror-connected Saudi national named Mohammed al-Qudhaeein was flagged for asking a series of suspicious questions during the flight. He also attempted to enter the cockpit of the airplane. Al-Qudhaeein and an associate were headed for a party at the Saudi embassy in Washington D.C., according to the report.
Both the Obama and George W. Bush administration opposed the release of the 28 pages, which were classified as “Top Secret.” The Obama administration caved into demands to release the redacted pages under increased pressure from lawmakers, special interest groups and families of 9/11 victims.
This article has been updated with additional information.