East Central Alabama News

U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has demanded answers from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding a plea agreement reached with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the September 11th terror attacks, and his associates Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.

In his letter, Chairman Rogers expressed deep concern: “Deals like this give hope to terrorists throughout the world that America is not willing to hold the worst of the worst accountable for their wicked crimes. In short, this deal signals willingness to negotiate with terrorists who deliberately harm Americans.”

The letter continues:

"Dear Secretary Austin,

I, along with much of our nation and Congress, are deeply shocked and angered by news that the terrorist mastermind and his associates who planned the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, which killed nearly 3000 innocent people, were offered a plea deal. Tragically, the news is a 'gut punch' to many of the victims’ families.

It is unconscionable that the Biden-Harris Administration would allow such a plea deal. You, Mr. Secretary, are the Cabinet Member with ultimate oversight of the Office of Military Commissions. Your Department allowed a plea deal with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his band of killers.

Deals like this give hope to terrorists throughout the world that America is not willing to hold the worst of the worst accountable for their wicked crimes. In short, this deal signals willingness to negotiate with terrorists who deliberately harm Americans.

To that end, please provide the following to the House Armed Services Committee by August 23, 2024:

All documents and communications containing terms, conditions, agreements, side-deals or any mutually developed related conditional or linked agreements with any party relating to terms and conditions of the plea agreements reached with terrorists Khalid Shaikh Mohammed Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi;

Unaltered and complete copies of plea agreements offered to these terrorists identified in (1);

All documents and communications regarding effectuation of any military commission sentencing outcome created modified or altered since January 20 2021 including those regarding a convicted person serving a period of confinement outside Guantanamo Bay Cuba;

All documents and communications concerning or among officials in Biden-Harris Administration concerning foregoing plea deal;

All documents and communications associated with or presented to terrorists as part foregoing plea deal;

All documents and communications related discussions plans related Biden-Harris Administration’s plans repatriate terrorists held Guantanamo Bay ongoing contemplated prosecution plea deals other Guantanamo Bay detainees any strategy policy guidance other plans permanently close Guantanamo Bay detention facilities.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this request. The Committee on Armed Services under Rule X clause 1 Rules House Representatives ('House Rules') maintains oversight jurisdiction over Department Defense generally Moreover under House Rules Committee on Armed Services derives its authority conduct oversight from among other things clause 2(b)(1) Rule X (relating general oversight responsibilities) clause 3(b) Rule X (relating special oversight functions) clause 1(b) rule XI (relating investigations studies).

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers"