On Wednesday, congressional lawmakers criticized a plea deal that would prevent the accused 9/11 mastermind and two alleged accomplices from receiving the death penalty. They described it as a “national disgrace” and a “total miscarriage of justice.” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called it an “abdication of responsibility to defend America and provide justice,” arguing that the families of 9/11 victims would not receive the “real justice” they deserve as a result of the plea deals. The agreement was made between the Convening Authority for Military Commissions and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, who are accused of providing training, financial support, and other assistance to the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. The White House stated that it was not involved in the decision-making process for the plea deals, which could help facilitate the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility as per President Biden’s initial goal. Critics argue that the world would be a better place if these terrorists were no longer alive, and that allowing them to live out their days at the taxpayers’ expense is unjust and disrespectful to the victims of 9/11 and their families.
