Malliotakis, 9/11 Families & First Responders Call for Justice to be Served Against 9/11 Terrorists

(NEW YORK, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined the family members of 9/11 victims and first responders to call on the Biden-Harris Administration to pursue the death penalty and immediately set a trial date in the case against 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his associates after the Department of Defense revoked a pre-trial agreement Friday night that took the death penalty off the table. 

"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 said. "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 and his associates, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, have all been held in Guantanamo Bay since 2003. In 2019, the trial was set to begin on January 11, 2021, however the timetable was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial was set to resume in September 2021, however, personnel changes, plea negotiations, and evidential disagreements caused the timeline to be abandoned entirely. 

"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. Each month we lose more, as more New York City firefighters continue to die, while these men would be spared the ultimate justice for their crimes - it's disgraceful." 

"On September 11, 2001, 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department lost their lives in the line of duty," said Frank Conti, President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. "Since 2001, our department has had 16 additional members suffer line of duty deaths attributed to their 9/11-related illnesses and sadly and tragically, we have several more pending as we speak. Our nation owes it to each and every surviving family member to seek the maximum penalty for their crimes. The thought of plea bargaining with these people is an affront to the sacrifice of those who lost their lives, and to those who live on to remember them." 

"Today we need to recognize the courage and the strength of the families of our 9/11 heroes and the families of all the victims," said Patrick Hendry, President of the New York City Police Benevolent Association. "For 23 years, this has been a nightmare for them, and they waited patiently for justice. Last week, they got the devastating news - they didn't back down, they didn't crumble, they felt that the system let them down. They spoke out, they spoke loudly, and we know their voices were heard in Washington and we're grateful that this plea deal was reversed...Ultimate justice needs to happen, the ultimate punishment needs to happen. These families deserve it." 

"These people that are in Guantanamo Bay, they keep murdering people every day," said Gary Smiley, World Trade Center Delegate Liaison for Local 2507, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors. "They murdered 2,977 people on September 11th, and through the grace of god they didn't murder more. But since that day they've murdered thousands. 1,004 members of the FDNY EMS responded that day - over a quarter of my members are sick, and I've lost over 250 EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors...These three guys have to go." 

"Today we stand united against a plea deal, now or in the future, for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the two co-conspirators being held at Guantanamo Bay, and to ensure that al Qaeda leaders will face their charges of murder and that the evidence is heard," said Terry Strada, National Chair for 9/11 Families United who lost her husband Tom Strada on September 11, 2001. "These terrorists awaiting trial are sworn enemy combatants to the United States, and they deserve the same mercy the terrorists showed to 2,977 innocent people, including my late husband Tom. 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." 

"As we gather here, we're reminded of the the profound impact of terrorism and what it has done to the lives of many, including my own," said Beth Murphy, a 9/11 widow. "The pain, loss and enduring struggles for justice are etched in our collective memories...In a court room, when do you see a lawsuit go 23 years? When do you see justice go 23 years? Never. We all call on Congress to lead and take decisive action. The time for promises is over. We need concrete steps to ensure timely and adequate resources for victims of terrorism." 

WATCH MALLIOTAKIS' PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

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Last year, Malliotakis joined Texas Senator Ted Cruz in writing to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging the Department of Defense to scrap any possibility for a plea deal with 9/11 terrorists that takes the death penalty off the table.