Pompeo Criticizes New York Times Editorial on Terrorist Abu Zubaydah

Statement

Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) issued the following statement in response to the August 25, 2016 editorial by the New York Times entitled, "A Stark Reminder of Guantanamo's Sins." Congressman Pompeo is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, an Army veteran, and a current member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Pompeo stated, "Abu Zubaydah is a known Al-Qaida terrorist leader who is responsible for the murder of thousands of Americans. The New York Times attempt to minimize Zubaydah's culpability and, instead, blame U.S. policies for terrorist actions is both shameful and absurd.

"This editorial is a blatant attempt, as part of a coordinated effort, to support the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay," Pompeo continued. "Guantanamo Bay obviously didn't cause the attacks of September 11, 2001, nor has any terrorist from Paris to San Bernardino cited Guantanamo as the reason for their murderous rampages. This facility is, however, the only reason Zubaydah's path of destruction came to an end.

"While the New York Times seems to support Zubaydah's desire to "start a small business,' I'd be interested to hear how the Editors view the hopes and dreams and families whose lives he snuffed out. I do agree with the New York Times on one point: that he should receive a trial. He should be tried and then executed for the suffering and death he caused so many Americans."

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