WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) today made the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s decision to transfer 9-11 terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, among other terrorists, to the United States to stand trial in a civilian court:
“It’s an unnecessary risk to bring the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 9-11 attacks to downtown Manhattan.
“Past trials of terrorists have proven that our civilian courts are not the appropriate venue to handle international terrorism trials. As a result of the trial of Omar Abdel Rahman, also known as the ‘Blind Sheik,’ al Qaeda obtained valuable information about U.S. intelligence sources and methods, thereby making the job of fighting terrorists tougher. Military tribunals – which have been used by Presidents dating back to George Washington – are the most appropriate, and secure, forum to try those who commit acts of war against the United States.
“It is a constant amazement to me that there are some who seem more concerned about extending legal protections to terrorists than security protection to Americans.”
