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Holder on 9/11 Trial: 'We Need Not Cower'

AG defends decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in New York

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2009 10:22 AM CST
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(Newser) – Republicans grilled Eric Holder on Capitol Hill today, criticizing his decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in civilian court. But Holder offered a forceful rebuttal, saying, “We need not cower in the face of this enemy. Our institutions are strong and our people are ready.” He added that “failure is not an option.” Republicans fretted that intelligence secrets would be leaked, and that Mohammed was being given a platform to spout hate.

But Holder was unfazed, saying that the court could protect America’s secrets and that any rant from Mohammed would only make him look worse. “I'm not scared of what Khalid Sheik Mohammed has to say at trial—and no one else needs to be either.” Jeff Sessions complained that the decision was “dangerous” and unnecessary, accusing Holder of having a “pre-9/11 mentality.” Holder countered that the US should use all its might—civilian and military—to win the war on terror. President Obama, in two interviews aired today, also expressed confidence that Mohammed will be convicted and executed—before hastily adding that he wasn't prejudging the outcome of the trial.

Attorney General Eric Holder takes his seat on Capitol Hill prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.
Attorney General Eric Holder takes his seat on Capitol Hill prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice Department oversight.
Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice Department oversight.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice Department oversight.
Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice Department oversight.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Attorney General Eric Holder pauses while testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.
Attorney General Eric Holder pauses while testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 19 comments
timeandagain
Nov 20, 2009 5:48 AM CST
Annie: are you so stupid that you don't get the historical reference?
AnnieOkie58
Nov 18, 2009 7:56 AM CST
whose WE....timeandagain ? Could it be people who the republicans made paranoid with their BS propaganda such as yourself?
thudson
Nov 18, 2009 5:53 AM CST
so much for those "Ain't Skeerd" vinyl stickers on redneck pickup trucks.

 
Senate Judiciary Committee • Jeff Sessions • Khalid Sheikh Mohammed • civilian law • Eric Holder • Khalid Sheikh Mohammed trial

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