Attorney who represents 9/11 first responders calls ruling on plea deals 'outrageous'

As News 12 reported, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other men agreed to the deals during the summer.

Thema Ponton

Jan 1, 2025, 4:37 AM

Updated 2 days ago

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A lawyer who represents tens of thousands of 9/11 first responders and their families is sharing frustrations with the ruling on plea deals for men accused of plotting terror attacks.
"There's been no trial after 23 1/2 years, which is absolutely outrageous," said Michael Barasch about the recent ruling from a Pentagon appeals court, upholding plea deals for three men accused of plotting the 9/11 terror attacks.
"I'm a little bit torn, I'd like to see them executed, on the other hand i'd like to see them rot in jail," Barasch said.
"What we want to see is details of the agreement, we want assurances that these people will never see the light of day and we want answers as to who paid for their coming to America, their training, their housing and their flying lessons, we deserve no less," he added.
As News 12 reported, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other men agreed to the deals during the summer. They would plead guilty to the attack that killed almost 3,000 people, including almost 500 Long Islanders. They would be spared the possibility of the death penalty.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin moved to rescind the pleas just days later. But a judge ruled that Astin acted too late and overstepped his authority.
The recent ruling appears to clear the way for plea proceedings to begin early next month at Guantanamo Bay.
However, Barasch tells News 12 the incoming Trump Administration could appeal.