By Gabrielle Tassone -- February 1, 2010
The Obama Administration is considering the relocation of the trial of the September 11, 2001 mastermind, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, amidst concerns articulated by New York Mayor Bloomberg, and other city officials.
With New York politicians concerned about costs and security issues, President Obama left the decision for alternative trial sites up to the Justice Department.
Through a spokesperson, the president said that he feels a civilian criminal trial for Mohammed, and his four accomplices, could be held "successfully and securely in the United States" New York was not specifically mentioned.
New York's senior senator Charle E. Schumer, a Democrat has encouraged the Obama Administration "to find suitable alternatives" to the original Manhattan location.
New York city officials have estimated, should the trial be held in New York, costs of $200 million per year, for a trial that could last several years. Some politicians fear that the trial would once again bring New York to the eyes of Al Qaeda.
Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell told CNN that a New York trial was "dangerous nonsense... What we need to do is deny these people a show trial."
Though having originally backed the idea to bring the Sept. 11 defendants to New York, Mayor Bloomberg stated last Wednesday that he has changed his mind.
"There are places that would be less expensive for the tax payers and less disruptive" than the city, he said. "For example, military bases away from central cities where it is easier to provide security at much less a cost."
The mayor also said that if New York is determined to be the site of the trial, "We will do what we're supposed to do."
Finding an alternative site, should the trial be rejected by New York city, will not be easy. The Eastern District of Virginia has been mentioned, as it is where terror trials have been held, as well as the unused Illinois prison, where the Obama administration has proposed to move Guantanamo detainees.
Among other sites being considered are the Stewart Air National Guard Base, and a federal prison at Otisville.
