The Biden administration successfully intervened on Thursday to temporarily block accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed from entering a guilty plea that would exempt him from the death penalty for his role in the September 11, 2001, attacks.
This latest twist comes as part of the ongoing struggle to bring justice to the individual charged with orchestrating one of the deadliest attacks in US history. A three-judge appeals panel has put a hold on Mohammed’s scheduled guilty plea, originally set for Friday in a military commission courtroom at Guantanamo Bay.
The Biden administration is seeking to overturn a plea agreement negotiated by its own Defense Department, which included life sentences without parole for Mohammed and two co-defendants.
The deal was designed to provide closure for the families of the nearly 3,000 victims, but Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized it as politically divisive, arguing that decisions about the death penalty should rest solely with the defense secretary.
Families of 9/11 victims have expressed mixed reactions. Elizabeth Miller, whose father was killed in the attacks, voiced her frustration over the administration’s decision, emphasizing that the plea deals represent a pathway to finality for grieving families.
Conversely, a man who lost his daughter in the World Trade Center, Gordon Haberman, welcomed the possibility of a full trial, stating, “If this leads to a full trial for these guys, then I’m in favor of that.”
The appeals panel’s order is temporary, allowing time for further consideration of arguments, with the next steps scheduled for January 22, 2025. This extension means the matter will likely continue into the following administration, raising questions about potential changes in approach under President-elect Donald Trump.
Legal challenges have plagued the 9/11 case since charges were filed against Mohammed 17 years ago, with significant hurdles stemming from the torture endured by him and other defendants during CIA custody.
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The administration’s decision to intervene follows a series of failed attempts to finalize the plea agreement despite prior approvals from military prosecutors and the Pentagon.
