Lawmakers have fiercely condemned the Biden administration after news broke of a plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, and two accomplices. The plea agreement, which prevents the three men from facing the death penalty, has been labeled a “national disgrace” by critics.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blasted the administration, describing the deal as a failure to uphold justice. “The plea deal with terrorists – including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks that killed thousands of Americans – is a revolting abdication of the government’s responsibility to defend America and provide justice,” McConnell asserted.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) called the decision “unacceptable,” stressing the need to seek capital punishment for those involved in the 9/11 attacks. “This plea deal is unacceptable. The death penalty is the only appropriate response for these terrorists,” Malliotakis declared.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) criticized the plea deals as a betrayal to 9/11 victims and their families. “Disgusting that these terrorist scumbags are being let off without a trial. 9/11 victims, their families, and our heroic first responders deserve true justice!” Lawler tweeted.
Sen. James Risch (R-ID) also voiced his disapproval, stating that the deals failed to meet the expectations of the American public. “These terrorists committed the most heinous crime imaginable and for that they deserve nothing less than the death penalty,” Risch said.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden was only informed of the plea agreement on Wednesday and had no involvement in the process, which is being overseen by the military justice system. The Trump administration had previously rejected any plea bargains with the suspected terrorists held at Guantanamo.
The plea deal has sparked significant controversy, with many arguing that it undermines the pursuit of justice for the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
