Now that the Obama administration has decided to move the trial of 9/11 terror plotters Khalid Sheikh Moahmmed and others to Guantanamo Bay—and not hold a civilian trial in NYC—most New York politicians are happy. For instance, Rep. Peter King (R-NY) took the opportunity to boost former President George W. Bush, "Today's reversal is yet another vindication of President Bush's detention policies by the Obama Administration, and is welcome news to the families of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, who will finally see long-awaited justice," while Mayor Bloomberg looked at it from the POV of how it would have been extremely expensive to secure NYC, "Being spared the expense is good for us." And the NY Times editorial board is just upset with everyone!
Reaction To Trying KSM, 9/11 Plotter At Gitmo: "Welcome News," "Good" For NYC, "Cowardice"
No KSM In NYC: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Other 9/11 Plotters Will Be Tried At Guantanamo Bay
Thank goodness President Obama restarted trials at Guantanamo Bay—because now Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terror plot suspects will be tried there instead of the controversial suggested site of New York City. Attorney General Eric Holder will make the decision today.
Obama Won't Rule Out 9/11 Trial in NYC
The faltering plan to hold trials for the 9/11 terror suspects in downtown Manhattan has elicited intense criticism from Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Paterson, the NYPD, Chuck Schumer, and other local politicians and business leaders. But in an interview with CBS News anchor Katie Couric, President Obama still declined to officially "blink," saying, "I have not ruled it out, but I think it's important for us to take into account the practical, logistical issues involved. If you have got a city that is saying no, and a police department that is saying no, and a mayor that is saying no, that makes it difficult." But what about the City Council; maybe they can turn this thing around for Obama? They've just decided to hold a hearing on the issue, so don't touch that dial...
AG Holder Visits Federal Courthouse, Inspects Security
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder made a "surprise" visit to the federal courthouse and the Manhattan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan yesterday. Apparently he wanted to check out the digs—and the security—in advance of trying suspected 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others.
Holder Talks With 9/11 Victims' Families About Trials
The furor over holding the trials of alleged 9/11 terror plotters in a Manhattan federal court continues to simmer. Yesterday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, "I’m not scared of what [terror mastermind] Khalid Sheik Mohammed has to say at trial — and no one else needs to be either."
Mixed Reaction To 9/11 Plotters' New York City Trial
After U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that five of the plotters behind the September 11 attacks—including mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed—would be tried in federal court in lower Manhattan, the reaction has ranged from the outraged and upset to the relieved. Retired deputy fire chief Jim Riches, whose firefighter son while responding to the World Trade Center's fires, told the NY Times, "Let them come to New York. Let them get on trial. Let’s do it the right way, for all the world to see what they’re like. Let’s go. It’s been too long. Let’s get some justice."
Accused 9/11 Mastermind Critiques Courtroom Sketch
Who knew that Al Qaeda operatives felt so strongly about their courtroom portraits? Khaild Sheikh Mohammed, who was officially arraigned yesterday for his role in the September 11, 2001 attacks (he allegedly suggested and oversaw the plan), took exception to the sketch made by courtroom artist Jane Hamlin and asked her to change his nose.
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