WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Candice Miller today released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to ask Attorney General Eric Holder to consider moving the trial of Khalid Sheik Muhammad and other 9/11 conspirators away from New York City.
“After serious concerns were raised by New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other New York political leaders surrounding the trial of Khalid Sheik Muhammad and other 9/11 conspirators just blocks from Ground Zero, President Obama has apparently asked Attorney General Eric Holder to move the trial out of New York City. It is about time.
“Some of these leaders in New York have suggested that the trial be held at a military base and I have a suggestion for the President and Attorney General. How about Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in a military commission? The terrorists are already there, we will save nearly $1 billion in extra security costs, Muhammad and others were prepared just over a year ago to plead guilty in front of a military commission, no other community will have these same concerns forced upon it, and keeping these terrorists out of civilian court will avoid a show trial that could reveal vital American sources and methods which could further endanger our national security.
“And since they are looking to move trials, I also believe Attorney General Holder should also move the trial of the Christmas Day bomber from Detroit to Guantanamo. By doing this our military and intelligence officials could further interrogate this terrorist, beyond the just 50 minutes he talked before he was given the right to remain silent, in order gather more information about the al Qaeda terrorist training camps he trained at in Yemen and possible follow on attacks.
“It is vital that we continue to protect the freedoms that every American holds dear which are enshrined in our Constitution, but nothing in the Constitution requires that we extend those freedoms and protections to unlawful enemy combatant terrorists who continue to seek ways to use the tools of our freedom to kill our fellow citizens. It is long past time for Attorney General Holder and this administration to understand this fact and to try these terrorists where they belong, in military commissions at Guantanamo.”
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