Rep. Malliotakis, 9/11 families, first responders call for death penalty against 9/11 plotters
NEW YORK - Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and 9/11 families and first responders held a rally Monday at the Staten Island September 11th Memorial.
They're calling on the Biden administration to pursue the death penalty against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the accused 9/11 mastermind, and to immediately set a trial date.
Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked a pre-trial agreement for Mohammed and two of his associates - Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, that would have spared them the death penalty.
"It has been 23 years since the worst terrorist attack on American soil, and the families of 9/11 victims, the first responders still suffering and dying today, and all Americans, deserve justice," Malliotakis said. "While we're pleased that Secretary Austin revoked this unacceptable plea deal, we're standing together today to call on the Biden-Harris Administration to pursue the death penalty and immediately set a trial date so these terrorist monsters can be held accountable for their crimes against humanity. The brave people standing with me today deserve closure after everything they've sacrificed for our country."
"I applaud Secretary Austin's decision to put the death penalty back on the table for these murderers," said Andy Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. "They should spend every day they have left in fear that their lives will be cut short. It's a fear that many New York City firefighters live with, and the actions of these terrorists have put thousands of others on death row. Each month we lose more, as more New York City firefighters continue to die, while these men would be spared the ultimate justice for their crimes - it's disgraceful."
"As we gather here, we're reminded of the the profound impact of terrorism and what it has done to the lives of many, including my own," said Beth Murphy, a 9/11 widow. "The pain, loss and enduring struggles for justice are etched in our collective memories...In a court room, when do you see a lawsuit go 23 years? When do you see justice go 23 years? Never. We all call on Congress to lead and take decisive action. The time for promises is over. We need concrete steps to ensure timely and adequate resources for victims of terrorism."
Why have the cases taken so long?
The cases against them have been stuck in a legal quagmire since 2008 because the three underwent "enhanced interrogation techniques," or torture, in CIA custody before they moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The legal delays have had to do with whether evidence extracted during their interrogations is admissible in court.
The White House said it played no role in the initial plea deal agreement. The Republican-led House Oversight and Accountability Committee said it was launching an investigation into whether the White House was involved.