The 9/11 Families United coalition expressed strong condemnation of the recent announcement that the US PGA Tour will merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. In a statement, the organization, consisting of survivors and families of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, expressed shock and deep offense at the merger.

Pointing to the role played by Saudi operatives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the organization criticized the fact that Saudi Arabia is now funding professional golf through LIV Golf. Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United and widow of Tom Strada who died in the attack on the World Trade Center, specifically called out PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for betraying the 9/11 community.

Strada highlighted Monahan’s previous statements about knowing people who lost loved ones on 9/11 and questioned whether LIV Golfers had ever apologized for being part of the PGA Tour. Strada asserted that both Monahan and PGA Tour leaders should be ashamed of their hypocrisy and greed.

According to Strada, the entire 9/11 community feels betrayed by Commissioner Monahan and the PGA, as it appears their concern for the victims was merely superficial, overshadowed by their pursuit of financial gain. Strada argued that the PGA Tour’s association with LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia was an attempt to cleanse the Kingdom’s reputation, despite its pre-9/11 funding of terrorism, spreading of hatred towards Americans, and support of al Qaeda.

The 9/11 Families United and Strada have been vocal critics of LIV Golf since its establishment. They have actively participated in LIV Golf events in the United States, demanding accountability from Saudi Arabia for its alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks. The coalition emphasized that 15 of the 19 hijackers involved in the attacks were Saudi citizens.

Strada accused PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan of previously aligning with the 9/11 community in denouncing the Saudi LIV project as a mere attempt to improve Saudi Arabia’s image. However, she now believes that the PGA and Monahan have become paid promoters for Saudi Arabia, accepting billions of dollars to whitewash the Kingdom’s reputation and make the world forget about its previous support of terrorism and the loss of loved ones in the attacks.

The 9/11 Families United coalition’s criticism reflects the ongoing controversy surrounding the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, raising questions about the ethics and values associated with the partnership.