In a significant development, there has been a dramatic reversal regarding the plea deals for three of the terrorists behind the September 11 attacks who were awaiting trial in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
The plea deals, which had sparked national outrage by removing the death penalty from consideration, have been revoked by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. In a direct and firm memo, Secretary Austin has taken over the case involving 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, along with Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.
In his order, Secretary Austin relieved the official responsible for the military commission who had approved the original plea deals. The letter from the Secretary of Defense states, “Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pretrial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024.”
This move marks a significant shift in how these high-profile cases will be handled moving forward.
In a surprising twist, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has revoked the controversial plea deals for three of the terrorists behind the September 11 attacks. These deals had removed the death penalty from consideration, sparking outrage across the nation. The exact reasons for this abrupt reversal remain unclear, especially since the deals had already been signed and publicly released.
Earlier on Friday, the powerful House Armed Services Committee announced an investigation into these plea deals. Chairman Mike Rogers, R-La., described the situation as “unconscionable.” He expressed his shock and anger, stating, “I, along with much of our nation and Congress, are deeply shocked and angered by news that the terrorist mastermind and his associates who planned the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, which killed nearly 3000 innocent people, were offered a plea deal.” He called the news a “gut punch” to victims’ families.
The White House, in response to the backlash, claimed President Biden “played no role” in the plea deal process. A spokesperson for the National Security Council told Fox News Digital that the White House learned of the deals only after they were announced. White House national security spokesman John Kirby reiterated this point, emphasizing that the administration was “not aware” of the deals until they were made public. President Biden had previously rejected a proposal last year that would have spared the three suspects from the death penalty.
Victims’ groups reacted swiftly to both the plea deal and its subsequent revocation. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, expressed relief on behalf of 9/11 victims’ families. “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. We are relieved and grateful, but the job is not done yet. As we have said from the beginning, these terrorists who claimed so many innocent lives should receive the ultimate punishment. The safety of our nation demands it, and the long-suffering families of the fallen deserve nothing less.”
Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, voiced frustration over the lack of consultation with victims’ families. “We are astounded and deeply frustrated that our families were not consulted or even notified in advance of the plea deal or its subsequent revocation,” he said. Eagleson emphasized the need for the terrorists to provide complete information about the attacks, including any involvement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Our quest for truth and justice remains unwavering. 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 American people and the families of the nearly 3,000 victims deserve to know every detail. This decision should not hinder our efforts to hold those responsible, including the Saudi government, accountable for their roles in this horrific tragedy.”
The defendants—Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi—are accused of providing training, financial support, and other assistance to the 19 terrorists who hijacked passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, marking the worst terror attack on U.S. soil in American history. The loved ones of the victims expressed profound outrage upon hearing news of the plea deal.
As this story continues to unfold, we will keep you updated on any new developments. Thank you for staying informed with us.
