Sessions Renews Call for Military Trial for 9/11 Terrorists

Statement

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today in response to emerging reports that the Obama Administration is actively considering alternate civilian venues for the trial of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, which is currently slated for New York City:

"From the beginning, it was clear that Khalid Sheik Mohammed should be tried as a war criminal under the authority of the military, not as a routine criminal suspect under the authority of our civilian justice system. While I am pleased that the Obama administration finally appears to realize the error of trying KSM in the heart of Manhattan, moving the trial to some other federal courthouse will only introduce the same dangers and costs to the citizens living where the trial is being held.

"There is only one solution, and only one sensible policy: for the President to reverse course and have KSM tried by military commission. Indeed, Attorney General Holder has acknowledged that it would perfectly legal to do so. The military tribunals have undergone Supreme Court review, they have been bolstered by congressional action, and the facilities--designed explicitly for this purpose--are built and operational. The President need only issue the order.

"President Obama's belief that terrorists should be treated like civilians reverts America to the law enforcement approach that failed us on 9/11 and puts the country at needless risk. I once again urge him to change direction."

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