Rockland Reporter

On August 8, 2024, Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21) announced the introduction of the Justice for 9/11 Act. This legislation aims to prevent plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and his fellow 9/11 co-conspirators following a revoked plea deal by the Biden-Harris Administration. The bill also ensures that the death penalty remains an option in any future trial.

Background on the Justice for 9/11 Act:

A previously existing pretrial agreement between the 9/11 planners and the government would have removed the possibility of the death penalty as punishment. In 2008, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad was charged with multiple crimes, including conspiracy, murder in violation of the law of war, attacking civilians, terrorism, and material support of terrorism. The Justice for 9/11 Act would require a trial and ensure that the death penalty remains an option in sentencing. Additionally, it mandates that these terrorists be kept at Guantanamo Bay in solitary confinement and prohibits their extradition to another country.

"September 11th is a date that will forever be seared in our national memory, especially for New Yorkers," said Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). "The idea that the Biden-Harris Administration would offer a plea deal without the death penalty to the very people who planned the attacks that took almost 3,000 lives is a betrayal of our cops, firefighters, and 9/11 victims and their families."

"The Justice for 9/11 Act will ensure that no future plea deal will be offered to these terrorists by requiring a trial and ensuring the death penalty remains on the table," concluded Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). "Anything less is a disservice to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and in the months and years since."

“A cornerstone of America’s national ethos is our commitment to fighting terrorists, not negotiating with them. The fact that federal authorities were willing to enter into a plea deal with the masterminds of the 9/11 terror attack is beyond shameful and calls into serious question the judgment of certain Biden-Harris Administration officials responsible for this glaring miscarriage of justice," stated Rep. D'Esposito (NY-04). "Congress must act now and pass the Justice for 9/11 Act to ensure that families of thousands of innocent victims murdered on September 11th see justice served."

“In an effort to prevent another sickening plea deal from being offered to al-Qaeda terrorists behind horrific terrorist attacks,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), “I am proud to co-lead this legislation ensuring these terrorists receive harsh punishment.” She added: “On behalf of nearly 3,000 Americans killed on 9/11 and thousands of first responders who died from related illnesses, I will do everything in my power to make sure these terrorists are tried fully.”

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced similar legislation in the United States Senate.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City which includes Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.