Jury Finds Port Authority Liable

In late October, a jury found that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was negligent in preventing the Feb. 26, 1993, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, which it owned at the time.

Earlier, Muslim extremists had been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in attack, during which they abandoned a van loaded with explosives in the center's underground garage. The ensuing explosion killed six and wounded nearly 1,000.

The lawsuit against the Port Authority was brought by survivors, families of the victims, and tenants of the complex. After two days of deliberation, the jury concluded that the Port Authority was 68 percent liable, with the terrorists responsible for the remainder of the liability. In reaching its decision, the jury cited a 1985 security report commissioned by the Port Authority, which warned of the garage's vulnerability to such attacks.

Although separate trials will be scheduled to determine monetary damages, it is estimated that the approximately 400 plaintiffs will seek up to $1.8 billion for business interruption losses, as well as physical and emotional pain and suffering. The Port Authority has announced that it will appeal the verdict.