In his opening remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning, Attorney General Eric Holder responded to criticisms about his decision to bring five terror suspects, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
Opponents of the decision have said a civilian trial will give Mohammed a platform to spew jihadist rhetoric.
“I’m not scared of what Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has to say at trial,” Holder said. “And no one else needs to be afraid either.”
“I have every confidence that the nation and the world will see him for the coward that he is,” Holder said.
“We need not cower in the face of this enemy. Our institutions are strong, our infrastructure is sturdy, our resolve is firm and our people are ready,” Holder said. “It is past time to finally act by bringing prosecutions.”
Holder also responded to criticism (from people such as Liz Cheney) that the decision shows a “pre-9/11” mentality, or that the government doesn’t understand this is war time.
“I know we are at war,” Holder said, noting his trip to Dover Air Force Base a few weeks ago with President Obama to participate in the dignified transfer of troops killed overseas.
“Those who suggest otherwise are simply wrong,” he said.
