New York United Against Terror Trials
The New York State Senate has become the latest in a growing list of elected representatives sounding off against holding the 9/11 terror trials in New York City. The Senate passed a resolution on February 9th calling upon the Obama administration to move the trials to a military location.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has also publicly come out against the trials. "My advice to the President is, with a great deal of respect, take New York off your radar screen," Schumer told reporters.
Even New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has changed his mind and come out against holding the trials in Manhattan. Bloomberg originally supported the plan to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other accused 9/11 plotters in civilian court in New York City, just blocks from the World Trade Center site. He did not initially seem swayed by concerns that the trial would make New York an even riper terrorist target, or by the argument that war criminals should be tried in a military, not civilian setting. He was ultimately swayed by the $1 billion price tag for the trials. The federal government has not guaranteed that this cost would not be passed on to New York City in some fashion, so Bloomberg reversed course.
New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly was never even consulted when Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department made its decision to bring the trials to Manhattan. As the city's top cop, you'd think his opinion would count for something when it comes to security.
If all this weren't enough to dash plans to hold the trials in Manhattan, legislation drafted by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to prevent federal funds from being spent on civilian trials for Guantanamo detainees is picking up steam. Two Democrats have joined 17 Republicans in sponsoring the legislation. King believes that Democratic support for Obama's detainee policy has eroded, giving his bill a better than average chance for success if it is brought to the floor.
There is no indication from the White House if they will go the military route or pick another civilian location for the 9/11 trials, but it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Manhattan will remain on their list of options.