NEW YORK CITY, July 24, 2003

9/11 Families: Tell Us Full Story

Widows Say Congressional Report Lacks Key Money Trail Data

  • Kristen Breitweiser

    Kristen Breitweiser  (CBS)

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(CBS)  They are known as the "Jersey Girls" - widows who lost their husbands on Sept. 11 and found a mission.

"I don't want anyone to know what it's like to watch your husband burn alive on television," Kristen Breitweiser told CBS News Correspondent Mika Brzezinski.

After the attacks they fought hard for an independent investigation, showing up in Washington on a regular basis. They wanted to know why so many government agencies failed to stop the 9/11 hijackers.

"Two years out and there still seems to be a shroud of secrecy," she said.

Thursday they were back on Capitol Hill to express in person their dissatisfaction with the congressional report investigating the attacks on America.

"The report is incomplete at best," said Breitweiser. "Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers were Saudi. We have clear and convincing money trails linking the Saudi princes to the terrorists. Why that's not finding its way into the report, I don't know."

Patti Casazza says she knows why.

"Geopolitical interests. Saudi Arabia provides a large amount of oil."

Asked if she believes the Bush Administration is withholding information, Casazza replied, "They are blacking out info in the report. That is withholding information."

Casazza's son John is 13. He used to think his father was Superman - untouchable - until the trade center fell.

"He wants to feel safe again," she said.

So does Kristen, whose daughter, Caroline, is now four.

"I still get nervous coming into New York City. I get nervous taking trains. I don't fly. There is much work that needs to be done," Breitweiser.

Unsatisfied with the Congressional report, these women will keep fighting to see to it that an Independent Commission reveals far more in its report due out next year.

"I am strong and I am sure in being stronger. I know my eyes are wide open," Casazza declared.

And watching Washington every step of the way



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