Reversal of 9/11 Mastermind’s Plea Deal Sparks Reactions from Families and Lawmakers

IF it wasn’t for the publicity; would they have reversed this nonsense?

The reversal of a plea deal for the mastermind behind the September 11 terror attacks and his accomplices on Friday drew significant praise and calls for justice from victims’ families and Republican lawmakers. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III revoked the controversial deal nearly a year after it was signed, responding to intense public and political backlash.

Cannot believe this was ever considered!

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revokes plea deal for 9/11 terrorists in shocking reversal https://t.co/ih2DCSnGx8

— ConservativePatriot (@Val4NoBigGov) August 3, 2024

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was among those applauding the decision, stating, “The Biden-Harris Administration is correct to reverse course after receiving letters from GOP Oversight and Armed Services Republicans launching investigations into this terrible plea deal. Now deliver long-awaited justice for 9/11 families.”

Pentagon prosecutors initially announced the plea agreement with Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, who were awaiting trial in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The undisclosed terms of the deal removed the death penalty, sparking outrage among the families of nearly 3,000 victims of the World Trade Center attacks, the worst terror incident on U.S. soil.

Families, advocacy groups, and lawmakers expressed their fury, arguing that the masterminds of the 9/11 attacks should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The House Oversight and Armed Services Committees both announced investigations into the plea deals, with Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., calling the deals “unconscionable.”

Austin’s swift reversal involved relieving the official who had signed off on the agreement and assuming their authority. In a memo, he wrote, “Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pretrial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024.” This decisive action was praised by 9/11 Families United, a group representing victims’ families and survivors. Terry Strada, the national chair, stated, “Defense Secretary Austin is displaying America’s strength with this decision, that America does not negotiate with terrorists.”

Strada also urged Congress to pass the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, which would allow families to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism. “We need to send the same strong message to the sponsors of terrorism, if you harm Americans on American soil, we will hold you accountable in a U.S. court and justice will be served,” she said.

Several New York Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Brandon Williams and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, applauded Austin’s decision and called for a swift trial to ensure the terrorists receive the maximum sentence. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito echoed this sentiment, stating, “Now, it’s time for Sec. Austin and President Biden to put an end to this 23-year-long nightmare by expediting the execution of these terrorists and delivering justice for the families of those affected by 9/11.”

Victims’ groups swiftly responded to both the original plea deal and its revocation, emphasizing the need for justice and full accountability. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “The families of our 9/11 heroes channeled their anguish and outrage into a powerful message. It’s thanks to their courage that these shameful plea agreements have been reversed.”

Why didn’t the administration want the 9/11 terrorists to have a trial?

Playing politics with tragedy, the Biden administration went ahead with a plea deal for three 9/11 terrorists to appease the far left, but public outcry forced a complete reversal…https://t.co/YeKrU4qPcO

— David L Wagner (@DavidLWagner4) August 3, 2024

Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, voiced frustration that families were not consulted about the plea agreement or its revocation. He called for the terrorists to share all information about the attacks and for greater transparency and accountability. “Our quest for truth and justice remains unwavering,” Eagleson said. “We demand that the administration ensures these individuals provide vital information regarding the 9/11 attacks, including the extent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s involvement.”

The Defense Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on the reversal of the plea deals.

Key Points:

• The Biden-Harris Administration reversed a plea deal for 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and accomplices, removing the death penalty.
• The reversal was praised by victims’ families and Republican lawmakers, who called for full prosecution.
• Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III took decisive action, revoking the plea agreements and assuming authority.
• Families and advocacy groups emphasized the need for transparency and full accountability from the terrorists.
• Lawmakers and victims’ groups called for swift justice and maximum sentences for those responsible for the attacks.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News