Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler has commended Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III for revoking a plea deal offered to Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators, which reinstates the possibility of the death penalty. This decision follows a critical letter from Congressman Lawler and the New York Congressional Delegation to President Biden and Vice President Harris, denouncing the plea agreement.

“I am glad to hear that Defense Secretary Austin has put the death penalty for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators back on the table,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “Just hours earlier, I had sent a bipartisan letter from the New York Congressional Delegation slamming the Biden-Harris Administration for caving and offering a shameful plea deal that spared these terrorist scumbags the justice they deserve.”

“It is my sincere hope that our 9/11 victims and families receive the justice they deserve, and I’m thankful that Secretary Austin saw reason here,” concluded Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators murdered almost 3,000 people on September 11th - they should face the death penalty at a trial.”

Congressman Lawler is recognized as one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress. He represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.