Judge says airlines can't question FBI agents in Sept. 11 lawsuits

ATLANTA -- A federal judge in New York says airlines and other companies in the industry that are being sued by terrorism victims can't question FBI agents about the Sept. 11 attacks.

The defendants wanted to depose agents and sought access to evidence related to the investigation to show the government's failure to stop the attacks mitigates and excuses any alleged fault on the aviation companies' part.

The government objected.

Thursday's ruling says the defendants have also argued that the terrorists likely would have succeeded even if the defendants had exercised due care.

The judge plans to set a trial date for the lawsuits on July 28.