Omar al-Bayoumi’s role in sheltering the 9/11 hijackers al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi
Saudi resident Omar al-Bayoumi helped two future 9/11 hijackers settle in California, providing housing, rent advances and contacts after they arrived at LAX in early 2000.
On 15 January 2000, two young Saudi nationals, Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and began learning English and aviation skills. Shortly after, they encountered Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi living in the United States, who claimed the meeting was coincidental. Al-Bayoumi acted as a guarantor, arranging a San Diego residence, covering their initial rent, and establishing a bank account for them.
He also leveraged his network to enroll the men in a flight school and facilitated further housing when they relocated in June 2000. These coordinated assistance efforts have led investigators to view al-Bayoumi as a possible accomplice rather than a mere acquaintance, given the extent of the support provided during the hijackers’ early months in America.
Why it matters
Understanding al-Bayoumi’s assistance sheds light on the logistical support behind the 9/11 attacks.
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