The White House said today the Obama administration won’t make a decision “for weeks” on whether to hold a civilian trial or military tribunal, or where to hold it, for self-proclaimed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
“The White House is continuing to review what the available options are that would bring the 9/11 detainees to justice,” an administration official said in a statement. “No decision has been made, and we do not expect a decision for weeks as the review process is ongoing.”
The administration originally planned to hold a civilian trial for Mohammed and other suspected terrorists in New York City, near the site of the World Trade Center. But opposition, from state and city officials as well as national lawmakers, has caused them to reconsider.
The announcement comes after news reports that the White House was backing off of holding a civilian trial, citing anonymous officials. Those officials said advisers were close to advising the president against such a trial.
