Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III revoked a plea deal that Pentagon prosecutors had agreed to with three terrorists accused of the Sept. 11 terror attacks who were awaiting trial in Guantánamo Bay. The deal, which took the death penalty off the table, has caused national outrage. Austin is now taking the lead on the case for 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. He relieved the official in charge of the military commission who had signed off on the original plea deals. The Secretary of Defense’s memo stated, “Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pretrial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024.”
The House Armed Services Committee has launched an investigation into the plea deals, with Chairman Mike Rogers calling them “unconscionable.” The White House claimed that President Biden had no role in the process and was not aware of the deals until they were announced. Victims’ groups have expressed relief over the revocation of the plea deals, which they considered to be a step in the right direction towards justice for the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks. Patrick Hendry of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York emphasized that the families of the victims played a crucial role in reversing the agreements and stressed the importance of holding the terrorists accountable for their actions.
9/11 Justice President Brett Eagleson expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with victims’ families regarding the plea deal and its subsequent revocation. He emphasized the importance of uncovering the full truth behind the attacks and holding those responsible accountable, including potential involvement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The organization vowed to continue fighting for justice and transparency to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth. The defendants are accused of providing support to the terrorists who carried out the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in the worst terror attack on U.S. soil in American history.
The revocation of the plea deals signals a shift towards a more transparent and accountable pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The defendants’ alleged involvement in training, financial support, and assistance to the 9/11 attackers will be closely examined as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. Loved ones of the victims who lost their lives in the attacks have expressed outrage over the initial plea deals and welcomed the decision to revoke them. The families of the victims have been at the forefront of demanding accountability and transparency in uncovering the truth behind the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
The quest for truth and justice remains paramount for organizations like 9/11 Justice, who are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable. The revocation of the flawed plea deals is seen as a step towards achieving justice for the victims and their families. The fight for truth and accountability continues, with a renewed focus on ensuring that all information related to the attacks, including any potential involvement by the Saudi government, is thoroughly investigated. The commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the 9/11 terror attacks remains steadfast, with organizations like 9/11 Justice leading the charge in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
