New York City firefighters have expressed profound disappointment and anger following a plea deal that allows the 9/11 terrorists to avoid the death penalty. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, the mastermind behind the attacks, along with Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, have agreed to plead guilty in exchange for the removal of the death penalty as a potential punishment.
The Department of Defense informed the families of the victims about the deal, revealing that the terrorists would plead guilty to all charges, including the murder of 2,976 people, and be sentenced by a panel of military officers. Rear Adm Aaron C. Rugh, the chief prosecutor, conveyed this in a letter.
“On behalf of New York City firefighters, especially the survivors of the September 11th terrorist attack who are living with the illnesses and injuries that were inflicted upon us that day, we are disgusted and disappointed that these three terrorists were given a plea deal and allowed to escape the ultimate justice,” stated Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association. He highlighted that many FDNY heroes continue to die each month from World Trade Center-related illnesses.
Brett Eagleson, president of the grassroots group 9/11 Justice, voiced concerns about the closed-door nature of the plea deals. He emphasized the need for transparency and the importance of family members gaining access to crucial information about the attacks.
According to the Washington Post, the alleged plotters are set to enter their guilty pleas in the upcoming weeks. The plea negotiations have been ongoing for over two years. The agreement includes a process for responding to questions from the victims’ families regarding the terrorists’ roles in the attacks. Sentencing hearings are expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
Jim Smith, a retired NYPD officer whose wife Moira was the only female police officer killed on 9/11, expressed his frustration, stating, “The prosecution and families have waited for 23 years to have our day in court… They should receive the highest penalty.”
Prominent figures, including lawmakers and public personalities, have condemned the plea deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis criticized the Biden administration, with Johnson calling the deal a “slap in the face” to the victims’ families. Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. also voiced their disapproval on social media.
