The Obama administration’s decision to allow the accused 9/11 terrorists to be tried in New York in a civil trial has angered a variety of Americans, including some service men and women who have fought in the Iraq War, survivors of the terrorist attacks and many Republican legislators.

President Barack Obama has decided to bring five alleged terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States for trial.

Included among the group of accused terrorists is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has referred to himself as mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.

Sgt. Daniel Gilyeat, a Third District congressional candidate, called Obama’s decision “a slap in the face.” Gilyeat lost his leg while serving a second tour of duty in the Iraq War.

“If the United States is easy on these terrorists, then what kind of example are they setting for all other terrorists?” Gilyeat said.

Gilyeat pointed out that the troops serving in Iraq are not afforded any rights if they become captured.

“If we had gotten caught, there is no such thing as prisoners of war over there,” Gilyeat told Kansas Liberty. “We would have had our heads cut off.”

Fourth District Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt issued a statement today condemning Obama’s decision to bring the terrorists to the United States.

“The Obama administration is making a terrible mistake and setting a dangerous precedent,” Tiahrt said. “Even more callous is the plan to bring these unrepentant terrorists to New York City where thousands of people lost family members, friends and neighbors in the September 11th terrorist’s attacks.”

Tiahrt has attempted to amend legislation on several occasions to ensure that terrorists could not be brought to the United States. Tiahrt, along with the rest of the Kansas Republican delegation, has fought against proposals to bring the Gitmo detainees to the Leavenworth prison.

“The United States federal civilian court system is not designed to handle the evidence and logistics for the effective prosecution of these terrorists,” Tiahrt said. “This action serves no purpose but to appease the ACLU and other liberal extremist groups.”

First District Republican Rep. Jerry Moran, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, also objects with the alleged terrorists being brought to New York.

"Congressman Moran strongly disagrees with the Obama Administration's recent decision to bring several terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the United States for trial in New York City," Aaron Trost, Moran campaign manager, told Kansas Liberty.

Moran and Tiahrt are both campaigning for a Senate seat.

A pro-troop grassroots organization, Move America Forward, said it was “shocked and appalled” by Obama’s decision.

“Allowing those terrorists to stand trial in a civilian court, giving them the same rights and defense as American citizens, is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” Debbie Lee, Move America Forward spokesperson, said in a news release. “What a dishonor to our men and women who have so faithfully served and sacrificed to defend our nation and have died trying to bring the killers to justice.”

Resources:

Rep. Todd Tiahrt statement

Move America Forward statement

Gilyeat for Congress

Kansans for Tiahrt

Moran for Kansas

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