Folks, let’s get into the latest move that’s causing quite a stir.
The Biden administration has announced a plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and several others involved. Naturally, this decision hasn’t gone down well, with many notable Republican lawmakers calling it far too lenient.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell didn’t mince words, calling it “a national disgrace” on X, formerly Twitter. He slammed the administration for what he sees as a revolting abdication of responsibility. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, and Lindsey Graham, along with several New York House Republicans, were quick to join the chorus of condemnation.
Graham didn’t hold back either, labeling the deal as “outrageous” and predicting it would cause more problems for the country. Rick Scott echoed this sentiment, saying that the 9/11 terrorists “deserve nothing less than death.”
This plea deal comes with significant controversy. It appears that Mohammed will avoid the death penalty, a move that’s left many feeling outraged. Retired NYPD officer Jim Smith, whose wife was the only female police officer killed in the attacks, expressed his frustration bluntly. Smith and many others have waited over two decades for justice, only to feel let down by this decision.
My statement on the Biden-Harris plea deal with terrorists behind 9/11: pic.twitter.com/LNDichw8Qt
— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) August 1, 2024
On the campaign trail, Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was quick to blast the deal, calling it “ridiculous” and highlighting his personal connection as a Marine who enlisted after 9/11. He accused the Biden-Harris administration of negotiating with terrorists while weaponizing the Department of Justice against political opponents.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also chimed in, calling the plea deal a slap in the face to the families of those murdered on 9/11. He reminded everyone of the horror and mourning that followed the attacks and criticized the administration for failing to deliver justice.
The Biden-Harris Administration has done the unthinkable: they’ve agreed to a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the September 11th attacks, and two of his accomplices.
23 years ago, America watched in horror as thousands of innocent Americans died. America… https://t.co/r8f1afkRKm
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) August 1, 2024
This plea deal has certainly struck a nerve, especially given the secretive nature of its terms. The defendants, including Mohammed, are accused of providing crucial support to the terrorists who executed the devastating attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Back in September, President Biden had rejected a similar plea deal that would have spared the 9/11 architects from the death penalty. Now, with this new agreement, there’s a sense of betrayal among the families of the victims.
Sen. Vance didn’t stop there; he linked this perceived weakness to other actions by the Biden-Harris administration, such as their dealings with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Vance’s message was clear: it’s time to bring back American strength, and he believes Donald Trump is the person to do it.
My legislation, the No Plea Deal with Terrorists Act would have prevented the Biden Administration from accepting a plea deal for any person responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
This is a complete failure to hold these cowardly terrorists accountable for taking nearly… pic.twitter.com/DBcvvBbZY1
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) August 1, 2024