Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined family members of 9/11 victims and first responders to urge the Biden-Harris Administration to pursue the death penalty and set a trial date for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his associates. This call comes after the Department of Defense revoked a pre-trial agreement that had removed the death penalty as an option.

"It has been 23 years since the worst terrorist attack on American soil, and the families of 9/11 victims, the first responders still suffering and dying today, and all Americans, deserve justice," Congresswoman Malliotakis stated. "While we're pleased that Secretary Austin revoked this unacceptable plea deal, we're standing together today to call on the Biden-Harris Administration to pursue the death penalty and immediately set a trial date so these terrorist monsters can be held accountable for their crimes against humanity. The brave people standing with me today deserve closure after everything they've sacrificed for our country."

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi have been detained in Guantanamo Bay since 2003. The trial was initially scheduled to begin on January 11, 2021, but delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues have postponed it indefinitely.

"I applaud Secretary Austin's decision to put the death penalty back on the table for these murderers," said Andy Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. "They should spend every day they have left in fear that their lives will be cut short. It's a fear that many New York City firefighters live with, and the actions of these terrorists have put thousands of others on death row."

Frank Conti, President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, highlighted ongoing losses within his department: "On September 11, 2001, 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department lost their lives in the line of duty. Since then, our department has had 16 additional members suffer line-of-duty deaths attributed to their 9/11-related illnesses... Our nation owes it to each surviving family member to seek the maximum penalty for their crimes."

Patrick Hendry, President of the New York City Police Benevolent Association added: "For 23 years, this has been a nightmare for them [the families], and they waited patiently for justice... They spoke out loudly when they felt let down by last week's news."

Gary Smiley from Local 2507 emphasized ongoing health impacts: "These people that are in Guantanamo Bay keep murdering people every day... Over a quarter of my members are sick, and I've lost over 250 EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors."

Terry Strada from 9/11 Families United stressed transparency: "A trial is needed so the American people will learn the full truth of our darkest day... Truth is our best weapon to ensure that history will not repeat itself."

Beth Murphy, a widow from September 11th attacks urged Congress for action: "The pain, loss and enduring struggles for justice are etched in our collective memories... We need concrete steps to ensure timely and adequate resources for victims of terrorism."

Congresswoman Malliotakis recently joined Senator Ted Cruz in writing to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging against any plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that would remove capital punishment as an option.