Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis of New York has issued a statement in response to reports that a military judge has restored plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his associates. These deals reportedly remove the death penalty as an option, contrary to the previous decision by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Malliotakis expressed her dissatisfaction with Judge Matthew McCall's decision, describing it as "a travesty." She stated, "The decision made by Judge Matthew McCall to reinstate the pre-trial agreements with the monsters who orchestrated the worst terrorist attack on American soil is a travesty." She noted that these agreements had been nullified by Secretary Austin under the Military Commission Act of 2009 and the military’s Manual for Military Commissions.

According to Malliotakis, not holding these individuals accountable for their actions forces families affected by 9/11 and first responders dealing with related illnesses to relive their trauma. She called upon President Biden to intervene, stating, "President Biden must immediately step in, schedule a trial and swiftly put these monsters to death."

Malliotakis also mentioned her hope that if President Biden does not act, then the incoming Trump Administration would deliver justice. She remarked on this potential action: "If not, it’s my hope the incoming Trump Administration, which previously set a trial date, will deliver the long overdue justice that these families deserve.”

Previously, Malliotakis collaborated with Texas Senator Ted Cruz in urging Defense Secretary Austin through a letter last year to avoid any plea deal options for 9/11 terrorists that exclude capital punishment.