Since the Obama administration gave word that the “9/11 Trial” may not take place at the originally proposed Manhattan courthouse, many legal issues, much to do with politics, are now beginning to cause serious challenges for the Justice Department.
While the Justice Department can decide where the 9/11 suspects’, and professed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s, trial will take place, they don’t have to hold it nearest to the area where the attacks claimed the most victims. In fact, they don’t even have to hold the trial in a courthouse. The trial could very well take place at a military base or prison.
Problems have arisen with the growing number of lawmakers within the president’s party stating that they don’t want the trial taking place in the states in which they represent.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
Professed 9/11 Mastermind
The Obama administration has proposed to devote $200 million to help pay for security costs for cities hosting the trials. This is expected to be announced Monday in the president’s budget. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendall said the $200 million may lessen the concerns related to costs, but cannot alleviate safety worries.
Two proposed venues include a new high-security courthouse in Newport News, Virginia, in close proximity to a rather large naval station, and Alexandra, Virginia, the location of the 2006 trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, a 9/11 plotter. City officials in Alexandra remain opposed to hosting the new terror trials.
“Even with any special funding, we’re still opposed to it,” said city spokesman Tony Castrilli.
Those who have spoken out against moving the trial to their state include Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, one of five other lawmakers to speak out against the motion, asking Attorney General Eric Holder to reverse his decision to hold the proceeding in civilian courts. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer also suggesting a local trial may be too disruptive, even if held at a courthouse upstate.
Zacarias Moussaoui
Convicted 9/11 Terrorist
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spoken out citing the cost to secure the Manhattan courthouse as an impediment.
Some republicans have argued that the trials should not even take place on U.S. soil, rather outside the country, suggesting that Guantanamo Bay, Cuba may be the best location.
“If it’s too risky to hold a major terrorism trial in downtown Manhattan, then they’re going to face the same argument from civic leaders in other metropolitan areas,” said Patrick Rowan, once the top counterterrorism official with the Justice Department.
This saga is far from over, and could quite possible delay or even postpone the trial start date. One thing is clear, major concerns over security and public safety must be overcome by lawmakers before inviting the Justice Department, and the 9/11 trial, into their state.
Related Information
Accused 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Faces New York Trial
Obama Seeks $200m To Help Cities Host 9/11 Trials
Timeline: The Case Against Zacarias Moussaoui
Justice Issues: Counterterrorism
Plan for 9/11 Trial in New York Divides the City
I just couldn’t imagine bringing those terrorist back to New York City. Keep them on Guatanamo Bay, never let them leave!