McDonnell Statement On Possible Guantanamo Trials In Virginia

Statement

Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, responded this afternoon to breaking news from The Associated Press that the Department of Justice has referred dozens of cases involving detainees at Guantanamo Bay to federal prosecutors for possible criminal trials at three East Coast locations. One of the locations listed is the federal courthouse in Alexandria.

The AP article is available here.

Official Statement of Bob McDonnell

"I strongly oppose the trials of any Guantanamo Bay detainees being conducted in Alexandria, or anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The federal courthouse in Alexandria is located just feet from hotels, shops and apartment buildings. In 2006 the Alexandria trial of terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui demonstrated firsthand the tremendous burden such events place on the community. Since that time the area surrounding the Courthouse has grown more populated and busier. Trying Guantanamo Bay detainees in Alexandria would lead to a severe disruption of daily life in the city, and would be an imposition on all residents of the area. It would present numerous public safety challenges and concerns. I join with Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Congressman Frank Wolf and other local officials in strongly opposing any effort to try detainees at the federal courthouse in the city. I continue to support passage of federal legislation prohibiting the transfer of detainees to a state without approval from the governor and legislature. One of the chief obligations of a governor is to take every action necessary to keep their citizens and communities safe and secure. I strongly oppose this proposal by the Department of Justice."

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