Paterson Joins Bloomberg In Push To Relocate Terror Trials

Photograph of Governor Paterson by Mike Groll/AP

Gov. Paterson has added his name to the growing list of New Yorkers who oppose President Obama's plan to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other suspected 9/11 plotters in a Lower Manhattan courthouse. "What we really might think about are some suitable alternatives that would fall within the court's jurisdiction but for the public at large would be a better place to hold the actual trial," he said.

While initial criticism of the plan centered mainly around the use of civilian courts instead of military tribunals, locals including Lower Manhattan's Community Board 1 and Mayor Bloomberg—who initially said trying the suspects in Manhattan would be "fitting"—have started coming out against the terror trial plan due to the estimated cost of $200 million per year and the possible impact the cases will have on quality of life in Lower Manhattan. The opponents have pushed to move the trials to alternate locations including Governors Island.

According to the Daily News, Paterson doesn't want the trial in Lower Manhattan, though he didn't pinpoint an alternate location he prefers. "A change of venue would be certainly something we would consider, maybe even just different places where it won't tie up some many people and the cost. The challenges are going to be formidable." He added: "Even though I believe we would strongly be able to protect citizens and have the trial go off without any problem, the fact is that's just half the battle...The other half of the battle is making sure people aren't so anxious that it's a negative just because there's so much fear and anxiety."

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By Ben Muessig in News on January 28, 2010 1:55 PM

Comments [rss]

thefacts

Great move!

What a logistical nightmare it would be getting around there for years if it were held in the center of a crowded residential and commercial neighborhood

I wonder how many of the tuff guys who talk about "not caving in" actually live or work there, as if there opinion is more important than the quality of life for ten of thousands of people and the survival of struggling businesses.

That area suffered horrendously on 9/11, for years after, and still is locked down in parts. People even moved out and long-time businesses failed because the situation was so bad.

Who would want to subject and prolong that misery on people? Move it upstate to a military base!

longacre

UPDATE: White House has caved, Holder has been instructed to look at other locations.

Dead Himmler

King Bloomberg has spoken. The trial WILL be moved out of NYC. This is 100%.

jt10000

Also, Governor's Island makes a lot of sense. Close to the scene of the crime, won't tie up as much traffic.

jt10000

Cost is a legitimate concern. But this:

"The other half of the battle is making sure people aren't so anxious that it's a negative just because there's so much fear and anxiety."

If you don't want the fear and anxiety, speak up when the media/pundits/government officials and sheeple whine about terrorists all around us. The US is quite a safe place. Buck up, don't be terrorized.

And put those guys on trial here! If you're a leader, don't act afraid.