Bloomberg Prompts Obama to Consider Moving KSM Terror Trial
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged Barack Obama to reconsider trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) near Ground Zero. Bloomberg cited costs, security and the disruption the trial would cause to lower Manhattan. Those concerns were relayed to US Attorney General Eric Holder in a call on Thursday.
Governor Patterson, Senator Chuck Schumer and other New York officials joined the mayor in urging WH officials to find an alternative location for the terror trial. The NY political buzz is that a speech by NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly put the wheels of change into motion.
At a police charity event on Jan. 13, Commissioner Kelly addressed approximately 150 business leaders. The commissioner detailed the disruption the KSM trial would create. The mayor's switchboard began to light-up with calls from New York's top business leaders. The mayor apparently responded to the spark.
Changing the location of the terror trial is welcomed news to residents and business merchants of Manhattan's Chinatown, NYC's area to be most affected by the trial.
Last month, Chinatown activists were not optimistic about Holder reversing his decision. Area residents even lamented that local officials, including the mayor, do not seem interested in trying to reverse Holder's decision.
Chinatown residents joined approximately 1,000 demonstrators in front of the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl St. The demonstration was organized by the Staten Island Tea Party.
In November, the White House, without consulting NY officials or anyone in the NYPD, announced the decision to prosecute KSM in a civilian trial at the federal courthouse near Ground Zero. The decision was met with controversy and outrage by many residents and family members of 9/11 victims.
Bloomberg's prompting may provide adequate political cover for the president. It sets a stage in which Obama can announce a change in venue. The change in venue, however, only determines a change of location and not a return to a military tribunal.
Obama spokesperson Bill Burton reiterated the president's position in trying the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in civilian court, "President Obama is still committed to trying Mohammed and four other terrorist detainees in federal court."
To date, the Obama administration cannot or will not adequately explain why the unprecedented decision was made to prosecute a figure such as KSM in a civilian court instead of a military trial. The president is weathering considerable negative fallout because of this decision.
Obama appearing pragmatic if not amenable to the voice of the people will remain to be seen, but the subsequent decision to change the trial location from NYC will be well received by area residents.
Hours after the Bloomberg and Holder call on Thursday, the president ordered the Justice Department to examine other locations for the trial.
Source:
Published by Tony Jingo
An American Patriot with an independent view on today's topics. Jingo (noun) One who vociferously supports one's country View profile
Islamic Center Near Ground Zero to Spur on Interfaith DialogueOn September 11, 2001, New York's World Trade Center became Ground Zero during an al-Qaeda terrorist attack that killed 2,752 people. In 2009, a couple of blocks down on Park Pl...- Al-Qaeda on Trial: Geneva Conventions and Federal Law on the Use of Military Tribu...Contains factual information regarding the Geneva Convention, U.S, Supreme Court Opinion and the legality of Military Tribunals.
Blink! Ground ZeroShortly after the 9?11, I began to question my purpose in this life. Had I been just a few miles closer, and heading west that day instead of east on the LIE, I would have drive...
Controversial Hillary Clinton Campaign Poster Plastered Across Ground ZeroDuring a trip to Ground Zero on January 31, I captured this video of a startling campaign poster for Hillary Clinton plastered throughout the area . . . - My Experience Volunteering at Ground Zero, September 11, 2001I joined the Red Cross after being told that the construction unions weren't allowing non union workers to work on the pile at Ground Zero. I sat through a small class with other volunteers that covered the basics of...
- The Supreme Court and Guantanamo Bay
- The Food at Ground Zero
- Working at Ground Zero : Day Two
- Delays in Rebuilding Ground Zero Affecting Businesses
- What Survived at Ground Zero
- Fake News: Violent Video Games Develop Top Business Leaders
- Risks at Ground Zero
- Obama Contemplates Changing Venue for KSM Terror Trial
48 Comments
Post a CommentDaniel, yes, our constitution protects terrorists as it does illegal immigrants breaking into our country. The beauty of the law however gives us the discretion to NOT afford al-Qaida and Taliban fighters these protections. This is in accord w/the Geneva convention as well. And backed up by a law Bush signed in 2006.
Hi Tony, Our constitution does protect foreign terrorist it's should't and surely wasn't meant to but our constitution is only as strong as our courts.
After the most recent pics and videos of 9/11 I hope public outcry against a civilian court grows; this belongs in a military court...let real justice be served!
New York definitely wants out--it was funny watching this grow into a full-scale rebellion. How long will the administration remain in denial mode?
You do wonder :) retweeted
I'm so upset I mispelled a few words!
I beleieve they should be considered enemy combatents and tried in military courts. I am baffled as to why there is ANY consideration to try them in our civil courts!
Patricia, our Constitution does not protect foreign terrorists..especially those that hatched their 'crimes and/or acts of war' overseas. The 9/11 terrorists wanted a press conference and the Obama administration is giving them one. No bigger stage than New York. No excuse for this travesty furthered by Obama...and you as all Americans should have an opinion in these matters.
Okay, delete that one, I don't know what happened there! The Constitution says that we have to try these guys in civilian courts, that's why! There's no mystery there. As to where they should be tried, not my decision, don't really have an opinion on it.
Thanks for keeping us updated on this topic!