Biden: Obama to make final decision on where to try Sept 11 suspects now held at Guantanamo
By APSunday, February 14, 2010
Biden: Obama to make final call on terror trial
WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday he had no doubt that professed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed will be found guilty — whether in a civilian or military courtroom.
But, Biden said, it is not clear where Mohammed and the four other Sept. 11 suspects now held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be tried.
Biden told NBC’s “Meet the Press” the administration had not ruled out a military tribunal for Mohammed, but that was less preferable than a civilian trial. President Barack Obama will make the final decision, he said.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced last year that a trial would take place in federal court in New York City. But city officials oppose the idea because of security and logistical concerns. And there’s now a move in the Senate to try to stop any Guantanamo detainees from being brought to the United States for a civilian trial.
Obama’s national security adviser, James Jones, said “the whole thing is under review” — a process that is being led by Holder.
Jones told CNN’s “State of the Union” he believed Obama’s “best advice will come through the attorney general’s office.”
