There has been a big update after news broke that a deal had been made with prosecutors and the mastermind of 9/11.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin decided to annul plea deals previously agreed upon for three terrorists engaged in the September 11 attacks that shook our country in 2001. Not only had many U.S. Senators expressed outrage of the deal but there was a ton of public outcry.
The plea deal, which included sparing these terrorists the death penalty in return for guilty pleas, had sparked controversy when it became public knowledge. This contentious agreement would have resulted in the 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi serving, at most, life sentences in prison.
It has been learned that retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier initially offered this deal. Secretary Austin himself relieved the former general from her position, and the offer was swiftly withdrawn. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Tom Cotton applauded this move, stating, “We are pleased that Secretary Austin heeded our advice, took the concerns of 9/11 victims and families into account, and reconsidered.”
“Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pretrial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024,” Austin said.
They expressed disappointment with the Biden-Harris Administration for even contemplating such a plea deal. These senators asserted that America needs a leader dedicated to peace through strength, not chaos, and promised to keep a close eye on the situation. They highlighted an upcoming act – the Justice for 9/11 Act – and suggested they were prepared to veto any future plea deals with the culprits of that fateful day. They stressed that the U.S. should always remain steadfast when holding terrorists answerable for their actions.
In Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson commended the administration’s decision to change direction. He shared that this decision was influenced by letters from GOP oversight and HASC Republicans, triggering investigations into the plea deal.
Lastly, Senator Lindsey Graham publicly backed Secretary Austin’s choice. He stressed his strong belief that this was the appropriate action and demonstrated sound command judgment. He emphasized that the original plea deal would have conveyed the incorrect message to terrorists globally. He also took a moment to recognize the families of the 9/11 victims, expressing his gratitude and solidarity with them in this decision.
