Several lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration following the announcement of a plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and two of his accomplices. The agreement, which spares the three men from the death penalty, has been described as a “national disgrace” and a “total miscarriage of justice” by members of Congress from both parties.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) expressed his outrage, calling the plea deal a display of weakness. “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 said.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) also condemned the agreement, emphasizing the importance of pursuing the death penalty for those responsible for the 9/11 attacks. “This plea deal is unacceptable. We must seek the death penalty for these terrorists,” Malliotakis stated.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) described the plea deals as an insult to the families and survivors of 9/11. “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) echoed these sentiments, stating that the plea deals disappointed not only the families of 9/11 victims but all Americans. “These terrorists committed the most heinous crime imaginable and for that they deserve nothing less than the death penalty,” Risch remarked.
The White House clarified that President Joe Biden was informed of the plea agreement only on Wednesday and had no role in the process, which is being managed through the military justice system. During the Trump administration, any plea bargains with the suspected terrorists held at Guantanamo were rejected.
The plea deal has ignited a heated debate about justice for the victims of 9/11 and the proper handling of those accused of orchestrating the attacks. Lawmakers continue to voice their concerns, demanding accountability and true justice for the families affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
