Court tosses 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed plea deal
Share and Follow


A panel of federal appeals court judges on Friday threw out a plea agreement in a 2-1 decision that would have allowed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other co-defendants to plead guilty in exchange for escaping the federal death penalty.

The deal, negotiated over two years, would have given Mohammed and the co-defendants life without parole.

The military prosecution of Mohammed and other defendants has been ongoing for more than two decades, snarled by preliminary hearings and challenges over evidence lawyers for the defense said had been obtained by torture.

The Biden administration’s Defense Department announced in July that it entered pretrial agreements with Mohammed and three co-conspirators of the 9/11 attack. But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin overrode the agreement just two days later, reserving himself at the sole authority to enter into such agreements.

A military appeals court that December ruled against Austin’s efforts, putting the agreement to avoid the death penalty back in place.

On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit tossed the plea agreement, determining that Austin acted within his authority.

“In light of the clear and indisputable errors committed by the military judge, which implicate issues of immense national importance, we conclude that issuance of the writs is appropriate under these circumstances,” Appeals Judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao, wrote.

Judge Robert Wilkins, however, sharply dissented from the majority’s decision, calling the move to overturn a military judge “stunning.”

“Our deference should be at its zenith when military courts follow persuasive military precedent in the construction of military rules. I am befuddled,” he wrote.

Mohammad is accused to being the mastermind of the deadliest attack on U.S. soil when hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Pig butchering: 'Wrong number' text causes California man to lose $1 million in crypto investment romance scam

Shocking Crypto Scam: California Man Loses $1 Million to ‘Pig Butchering’ Romance Hoax

In Brentwood, California, a retired businessman facing the profound grief of losing…
Illinois State teaching assistant toppled TPUSA table

FBI Ignored: TPUSA Activist Arrested for Alleged Trump Threats After Violent Posts Revealed

This article is a part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus…
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau make subtle Instagram debut amid romance

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Spark Romance Buzz with Subtle Instagram Debut

Katy Perry has taken to Instagram to subtly introduce her new beau,…
It had to be done. Andrew's sleaze threatened to bring down monarchy

Prince Andrew’s Actions Spark Concerns for the Future of the Monarchy

Andrew now faces the ultimate humiliation, marking the end of his royal…
Combating waste: Local watering restrictions change in response to end of daylight saving time

Addressing Waste: Local Watering Restrictions Adjusted with Conclusion of Daylight Saving Time

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, both residential and commercial properties…
She's an Oscar winner... can you guess who in this rare selfie?

Guess the Oscar Winner: Rare Selfie Sparks Internet Buzz

Once hailed as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, she captivated audiences…
JetBlue flight makes emergency landing at Tampa Airport after sudden 'drop in altitude' injures passengers

JetBlue Flight Executes Emergency Landing at Tampa Airport Following Sudden Altitude Drop, Resulting in Passenger Injuries

A JetBlue flight en route from Cancun to New Jersey had to…
Halloween threat puts kids in danger as drug-laced sweets spook parents, trick-or-treaters: expert

Halloween Alert: Expert Warns of Drug-Contaminated Candy Threatening Children’s Safety

As Halloween approaches, children nationwide are eagerly preparing to wear their costumes…