WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. told Face The Nation Sunday that the U.S. might be able to execute terrorists like 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed if they pleaded guilty at military tribunal.
“There’s a real question about that,” Holder said.
Holder said there’s no question Mohammed could be put to death if he pleaded guilty in a civilian court. The issue has the potential to change some views on the matter, particularly conservatives who have insisted the Sept. 11 suspects be tried in a military venue.
Holder originally announced that Moahammed and four other defendants would be tried in a civilian federal court in New York. But the city complained of the cost and the potential danger, and conservative Republicans insisted the military venue was the only way to go.
The matter as to where the trial will be held remains unresolved.
