As the country is reeling from the news that the mastermind behind the horrific September 1, 2001, terrorist attacks evaded the death penalty via a plea deal with the government, victims’ families are expressing dismay at the decision.
Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, also known as KSM, escaped capital punishment through a deal that came after more than two years of negotiations began in March 2022. Co-conspirators Walid Bin ‘Attash and Mustafa al Hawsawi were also included in the agreement.
As part of the deal, the three men said they would concede to a plea of guilty to every charge against them in exchange for life sentences rather than the death penalty. The charges include murder of all 2,976 individuals killed when the hijacked commercial planes struck several buildings along the east coast.
The three criminals are believed to have given money and training to the 19 people who hijacked and crashed the planes. The guilty pleas could be officially entered via a hearing as soon as next week, the government said. While the agreement is a long-awaited update in the case that has gone on for more than 20 years, the families of victims are far from satisfied.
Jim Smith, a retired officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) whose wife Moira was killed in the attacks, said that the government “took away” the families’ “opportunity” to “put on the record” what happened nearly 23 years ago. He described the culprits as “animals” who “committed the worst crime” in American history, adding that they ought to be dealt “the highest penalty.”
Kathy Vigiano, another retired cop whose husband Joseph was killed in the attacks, said she is “angry and disappointed” at the plea deal. She argued that the government just opened the door to allow “that enemy” behind the attacks to “exploit” the country’s judicial system.
Daniel, the twin brother of NYPD officer John D’allara, added that all the families have “waited patiently” to have the trial they were “promised.” He said that he was hoping the culprits would be sentenced to death but that the government “has failed us.”
The head of 9/11 Justice—a group which represents victims and families of the terror attacks—Brett Eagleson released a statement in which he expressed concern that the government will keep information related to the deals secret. Specifically, he said that survivors and victim families deserve the opportunity to “learn the full truth,” especially as it relates to Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the attacks.
He requested that the Biden administration remains transparent and not “close the door” on the ability to gather “critical information” about the attacks.
In response to the confusing plea deal, GOP Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama requested that the government release “all documents and communications” about the agreement, including details of the terms and conditions decided upon. The Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee submitted the demand to Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense, on August 1.
