Justice Department Distributes Over $1 Billion to Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism

State-sponsored terrorism compensation overview: 

• Who: The United States Department of Justice is paying out more than $1 billion to victims of state-sponsored terrorism.
• Why: The fund compensates those harmed by state-sponsored violence.
• Where: The fund compensates United States citizens.

Nearly 19,000 victims of state-sponsored violence will soon receive a portion of more than $1 billion in compensation from the federal government, the United States Department of Justice announced.

On Dec. 30, Special Master Mary Patrice Brown authorized payments from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to victims totaling $1.035 billion. 

By the first week of January, the fund had issued $766 million to approximately 14,700 claimants, with additional payments to follow on a rolling basis, the Department of Justice announced in a Jan. 6 press release.

The fund, established by Congress and managed by the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, aims to provide financial relief to victims of international terrorism, the agency said.

Since its inception, it has distributed more than $7 billion in five rounds of payments, including more than $6 billion in prior payouts.

While this year’s distribution marks a milestone, officials said that financial compensation cannot fully address the pain and suffering caused by acts of terrorism. 

“Although the amount distributed is significant, no amount of money can fully compensate those devastated by acts of international terrorism for their tremendous loss and trauma,” Brown said. 

She said, for many victims, the fund represents more than monetary relief: “It is not about the monetary compensation; it is about justice.”

More claimants eligible for state-sponsored terrorism compensation in 2024, DOJ says

In 2024, the fund added over 4,500 newly eligible claimants, bringing the total number of victims to more than 20,000, the Department of Justice said. Despite this, the outstanding and unpaid claims now exceed $120 billion, the agency said.

In 2021, family members and spouses of six people who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks filed a class action against the U.S. Treasury Department, Department of Justice and top officials, who they alleged are responsible for them being underpaid by a victim compensation fund. 

While the available funds are insufficient to meet all claims, the distributions provide a tangible step toward justice for those impacted by terrorism, Brown said, for example those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, or those harmed by the 1983 Beirut Barracks bombing.

What do you think of this DOJ compensation announcement? Let us know in the comments.

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