In a startling development, a recently unearthed video from 1999 has shed light on a Saudi intelligence agent filming key locations in the heart of Washington, D.C. This footage, obtained by CBS and aired on the 60 Minutes program, has been unsealed as part of a court action initiated by families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. They allege that Saudi Arabia's government was involved in the tragic event, a claim vehemently denied by the country's rulers.

The video features commentary from the man identified as Omar al-Bayoumi, who provides insights into various prominent Washington landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the US Capitol building. Notably, he discusses entry points and security arrangements, even referencing a "plan" at one point. The footage, shot over several days, is of somewhat grainy quality.

Bayoumi, who has long been linked to two of the 9/11 hijackers, Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, has refuted any allegations of wrongdoing. However, an FBI report declassified in March 2022 revealed that there is a "50/50 chance" that Bayoumi had advanced knowledge of the impending attacks, given his relationship with the hijackers.

The video was initially discovered by UK investigators in Bayoumi's flat shortly after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It was during this time that he was pursuing a PhD at Aston University in Birmingham. The flat also contained an address book, which lawyers for the victim's families argue contains contact details of officials in the Saudi government at the time. Scotland Yard later handed over the footage to the FBI.

Despite the mounting evidence, Saudi authorities continue to vehemently deny any complicity or support for the 9/11 attacks. The Saudi government has even filed for the dismissal of the families' case, with oral arguments scheduled for this summer.

It is important to note that the official 9/11 Commission report, published in 2004, attributed intelligence failures on the part of the CIA and FBI as the primary cause of the attack. The report stated that there was no credible evidence suggesting that Bayoumi believed in violent extremism or knowingly aided extremist groups. Interestingly, when questioned about Bayoumi's involvement, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, credited as the mastermind behind the attacks, claimed not to know him.

As this shocking revelation comes to light, the families of the 9/11 victims are left grasping for answers and seeking justice. The implications of the video and its potential connection to the Saudi government loom large, creating a significant twist in the ongoing legal battle. It remains to be seen how this new piece of evidence will impact the case and further investigations into the tragic events of 9/11.