“At a Pentagon news conference [on September 16, 2003], [Secretary of Defense Donald] Rumsfeld was asked about a poll that indicated nearly 70% of respondents believed the Iraqi leader [Saddam Hussein] probably was personally involved [in 9/11]. ‘I’ve not seen any indication that would lead me to believe that I could say that,’ Rumsfeld said. He added: ‘We know he was giving $25,000 a family for anyone who would go out and kill innocent men, women and children. And we know of various other activities. But on that specific one, no, not to my knowledge.’ ”
– Robert Burns, “Rumsfeld Sees No Link Between Iraq, 9/11,” Associated Press, Sep. 16, 2003