Smith: KSM Not a Common Criminal, He's a War Criminal

Smith: KSM Not a Common Criminal, He’s a War Criminal

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement in response to reports that the Obama Administration will prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) and the 9-11 co-conspirators in a military commission trial. 

Chairman Smith:  “It’s unfortunate that it took the Obama administration more than two years to figure out what the majority of Americans already know: that 9-11 conspirator Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is not a common criminal, he’s a war criminal.  The terrorist attacks of September 11 were the worst in our nation’s history.  Nearly 3000 innocent civilians were brutally murdered in an act of war against the U.S. 

“As the mastermind of 9-11, KSM should stand trial as an enemy combatant before a military commission at Guantanamo Bay.  Ten years is too long to wait for justice.  I hope that this trial will give some solace to the families of the victims of 9-11. And I hope the Obama administration will stop playing politics with our national security and start treating foreign terrorists like enemy combatants.”

The Crime Subcommittee has a hearing on military commissions vs. civilian trials for foreign terrorists TOMORROW at 10:00 am ET in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building.  The witness list includes David Beamer, father of United 93 passenger Todd Beamer.