The question surrounding the trial of accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is no longer just where, but how as examiner.com has learned that the option of trying Mohammed and his four alleged cohorts in a military tribunal has not been ruled out.
Both Attorney General Eric Holder and White House spokesman Robert Gibbs did not rule out a military trial when asked about the Obama administration's options. It was back in November of last year that Holder had announced that Mohammed and four other suspected terrorists would be tried in federal court in Lower Manhattan, a decision that drew ire from dozens of residents and politicians alike during a hearing at the New York CIty Council yesterday.
Susan Wipper from the FDNY foundation told examiner.com that a remote military base was "the only place" where such a trial should take place, with the NYPD putting security costs at over $1 billion.
Rep. Peter King, the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee said that a civilian trial must not be allowed and has introduced legislation that would require the use of military tribunals.
"We should all be working together to keep terrorists out of New York City, not move them into New York City," said King. "Last month I introduced the Stopping Criminal Trials for Guantanomo Terrorists Act, a bill which has gained bipartisan support and will stop the New York CIty trial for these and other Guantanomo terrorists and require that they be tried in military commissions.
King said that what was most inexcusable was Holder's failure to consult with local law enforcement here in New York prior to announcing the trials.
Another member of Congress, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D - Manhattan/Queens) argued that while she disagreed with King regarding military tribunals, the trial should be moved outside of New York City.
"Closing Guantanamo Bay and trying the 9/11 terrorists in a manner consistent with American values are what's important - the trials could easily be held in any number of secure locations," said Maloney.
White House officials said Friday that Obama and his top advisers will play a direct role in ultimately deciding how to prosecute Mohammed. The administration initially decided to try the five terror defendants in New York but have since appeared to backtrack.
"Obviously there are efforts on Capitol Hill through legislation to restrict either the type of or the venue of a trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators," Gibbs said. "That, by definition, involves the White House and ultimately the president."
"So, since this effort has moved from strictly a Justice Department decision to something that's in the legislative arena, the White House -- and by definition the president -- are involved."
Examiner.com will keep you posted on this developing story.
Comments
Why do we assume alleged terrorists are guilty? Even if they are they are still human and deserve a fair trial.
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