A revoked plea deal for the masterminds behind the September 11th attacks have come under intense scrutiny, primarily because it took the death penalty off the table for the terrorists, instead requiring them to serve lifetime sentences instead.
It inspired a bill championed by New York Republican legislators, determined to see the terrorists responsible for the attack brought to justice.
Fox News reports:
“The Justice for 9/11 Act will ensure that no future plea deal will be offered to these terrorists by requiring a trial and ensuring the death penalty remains on the table,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said late last week. “Anything less is a disservice to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and in the months and years since.”
Lawler’s district sits just north of New York City, where nearly 23 years ago, two hijacked passenger planes flew into the World Trade Center’s twin towers. It killed more than 2,600 people, and its effects have continued to impact the lives of first responders who developed cancer as a result of their life-saving rescue efforts.
The details of the plea deals for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi were not immediately made public, but reports indicated they would avoid the death penalty.
When this news reached families of 9/11 victims, they expressed extreme disappointment and dismay.
Jim Smith, widower of NYPD officer Moira Smith, said he felt like he was kicked when he learned of the deal. “The prosecution and families have waited 23 years to have our day in court to put on the record what these animals did to our loved ones. They took that opportunity away from us. They committed the worst crime in the history of our country, they should receive the highest penalty.”
Daniel D’Allara, twin brother of slain NYPD cop John D’Allara, didn’t mince words. “I am very disappointed. We waited patiently for a long time. I wanted the death penalty — the government has failed us.”
Brett Eagleson is the president of 9/11 Justice, a grassroots organization comprised of the victims’ loved ones, and insisted on transparency for families of the fallen.
“While we acknowledge the decision to avoid the death penalty, our primary concern remains access to these individuals for information. These plea deals should not perpetuate a system of closed-door agreements, where crucial information is hidden without giving the families of the victims the chance to learn the full truth,” Eagleson said at the time.
In addition to Mike Lawler, New York Republican lawmakers like Elise Stefanik and Nicole Malliotakis criticized the plea deals for its elimination of the death penalty, and praised Defense Secretary Austin for revoking them. Anthony D’Esposito also co-sponsored the bill alongside Stefanik.
“While we’re pleased that Secretary Austin revoked this unacceptable plea deal, it has been 23 years since the worst terrorist attack on American soil. The families of 9/11 victims, the first responders still suffering and dying today, and all Americans, deserve justice.”
Let him with the beard, rot in hell, then blow his brains out.