9/11 architect, co-conspirators plead guilty to murder of 2,976 people in exchange for removal of death penalty

A spokesperson for the Office of Military Commissions (OMC), confirmed to The New York Post that it had entered into pre-trial agreements with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. KSM has been accused of being the mastermind of the deadly 9/11 terrorist attacks which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. KSM and the two other terrorists have been held at the US military prison in Cuba since 2003.

A letter signed by Rear Adm. Aaron C. Rugh, chief prosecutor for the OMC, was sent to victims’ families Wednesday and read, “In exchange for removal of the death penalty as a possible punishment, these three Accused have agreed to plead guilty to all of the charged offenses, including the murder of the 2,976 people listed in the charge sheet.”

The guilty plea hearings could take place as early as next week with sentencing expected next summer.

Additionally, the letter explained that the terror suspects have also agreed to respond to any questions the family members of victims have about their role and reasons for planning the attacks. The family members would be able to submit questions to the suspects' defense attorneys and get answers within 90 days.

Daniel D’Allara, whose twin brother, John, was one of 23 NYPD officers killed on 9/11 told The New York Post, “I am very disappointed. We waited patiently for a long time. I wanted the death penalty — the government has failed us.”

Retired NYPD officer Jim Smith, husband of Moira Smith who was the only female police officer killed in the attacks, told the outlet he felt like he had been “kicked in the balls.”

"The prosecution and families have waited 23 years to have our day in court to put on the record what these animals did to our loved ones. They took that opportunity away from us. They committed the worst crime in the history of our country, they should receive the highest penalty.”

Kathy Vigiano, a retired NYPD cop and wife of Det. Joseph Vigiano who was killed in the attacks, told the Post, “I am angry and disappointed that enemy combatants who killed thousands of Americans in our homeland are now able to exploit the US judicial system to their benefit, receiving support from American taxpayers for shelter, food, and healthcare for the rest of their lives.”

Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United, whose husband Tom Strada, a 41-year-old bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, was in the north tower when the planes hit and was killed told the outlet that some of the relatives of the victims wanted a plea deal “because they wanted it to end” after more than 20 years.

Strada said, “I wanted a trial, I wanted him to be found guilty, and I wanted him to be punished accordingly.” She said regarding the deal’s specifics, “We’ll take off the death penalty, you say you’re guilty, and you get to live in Gitmo country club until you die. I’ve been there. It’s a lot cushier than it would be in a max prison."