The plea deal that prosecutors agreed to with three of the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks who were awaiting trial in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, has been revoked by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.
On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III took the lead on the case and effectively put the death penalty back on the table for Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.
In his order, Austin relieved the official in charge of the military commission who had signed off on the original plea deals.
“Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pretrial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024,” the letter from the Secretary of Defense reads.
Austin said he acted under his authority and is assuming control of the matter.
No explanation was given on why this was not settled earlier before the deals were signed off and publicly released.
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The defendants are accused of providing training, financial support and other assistance to the 19 terrorists who hijacked passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 11, 2001.
The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in the worst terror attack on U.S. soil in American history. Loved ones of the victims expressed outrage upon hearing news of the deal.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back here for more details.
