Court Delays Plea Hearing for Alleged 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to pause the plea hearing for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of orchestrating the 9/11 terror attacks. This decision was made to grant the court adequate time to review the case comprehensively and hear arguments on an expedited schedule. The court has not yet determined whether the Defense Secretary possesses the authority to nullify plea agreements made with Mohammed and other defendants, opting instead to gather more information before reaching a conclusion.

This decision follows a motion from the U.S. government, which seeks to halt a military tribunal in Guantanamo Bay from accepting the plea agreements involving three men linked to the September 11 attacks, including Mohammed. Earlier this summer, the plea deals, which remain confidential, allegedly would allow the defendants to admit guilt to multiple charges, including murder and terrorism, in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. Additionally, government attorneys have requested that the appeals court pause all proceedings related to the plea hearing scheduled for Friday.

Family members of victims who arrived in Guantanamo Bay expressed their heartbreak over the postponement of the plea hearing. Eight family members spoke to the press and expressed their support for the plea agreements, acknowledging that not all victims' families feel the same. Stephen Gerhardt, who lost his brother in the attacks, criticized the Biden administration for the delay, stating that it seemingly sidesteps justice for 9/11 families by postponing resolution until a future administration. Another family member, Deborah Garcia, expressed her disappointment, asserting that the defendants could be seen as innocent if they die before a resolution is reached.

Claire Gates spoke emotionally about her mother's struggles with pain each time they visit Guantanamo Bay. She noted that this trip was supposed to be healing for both of them, but the developments have deepened their sense of unresolved grief. The plea agreements have been contentious, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin having initially attempted to revoke them, arguing that approving such agreements required his authority. However, both a military judge and an appeals court sided against Austin, stating he was too late in making his objections, a position he has since reiterated.