Family of American Jew Killed in 2019 Nairobi Attack Sues Iran for Terror Support
The family of Jason Spindler, an American Jewish businessman killed in the 2019 terrorist attack in Nairobi, has filed a lawsuit against Iran in a federal court in Washington. The complaint, submitted on August 6, 2026, alleges that Tehran helped establish the network enabling the al-Shabaab group to carry out the attack. According to the lawsuit, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Quds Force provided weapons, funding, training, and logistical support to al-Shabaab, based on intelligence from the U.S. and the United Nations.
Spindler, aged 40, was among 21 victims killed during the assault. The attack began with a suicide bomber detonating outside a restaurant, followed by four gunmen storming a shopping area, shooting civilians and throwing grenades before security forces neutralized them. Spindler was shot while working on a balcony adjacent to the targeted hotel and later died from his wounds. He was a co-founder of the international company I-DEV and had survived the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, including threats exchanged between then-President Donald Trump and Iranian officials, and diplomatic efforts concerning the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Al-Shabaab reportedly stated the attack targeted Western and Israeli interests in retaliation for Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the U.S. embassy move there. Iranian authorities have not been officially held responsible by U.S. or Kenyan officials, and the case is ongoing.
Spindler's mother, Sarah Spindler, expressed sorrow over her son's death, highlighting his efforts to foster positive change in developing countries. She told NBC in 2019, "We all miss him so much, and it is so sad that such a young and brilliant person was taken by terror."
Summary: The family of Jason Spindler, killed in the 2019 Nairobi terrorist attack, has sued Iran in U.S. court, accusing it of supporting al-Shabaab in the assault that killed 21 people, including Spindler, amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
