Holder in the dock as critics focus on New York 9/11 terror trial

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R) of Ohio) calls the decision “further evidence that the White House is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality: treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue and hoping for the best.”

Senate minority whip Jon Kyl (R) of Arizona says it is “a constant amazement to me that there are some who seem more concerned about extending legal protections to terrorists than security protection to Americans.”

“It is inconceivable that we would bring these alleged terrorists back to New York for trial, to the scene of the carnage they created eight years ago, and give them a platform to mock the suffering of their victims and the victims’ families, and rally their followers to continue waging jihad against America,” said Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who calls himself an “independent Democrat” but who sides with Republicans on most military and defense policies.

The response from families of those killed on 9/11 has been mixed. Some don’t want to have to revisit that bright and horrific morning eight years ago. Others see the New York trial -- assuming it results in convictions -- as a way to witness justice done and perhaps to gain some sense of closure.

“Let them come to New York,” Jim Riches, a retired deputy chief of the New York Fire Department, whose firefighter son Jimmy died in the attack, told the New York Times. “Let them get on trial. Let’s do it the right way, for all the world to see what they’re like. Let’s go. It’s been too long. Let’s get some justice.”

Justice may be everybody’s goal -- those who support Attorney General Holder’s decision and those outraged over it. But a New York trial for those whose alleged acts led to two divisive wars resulting in much more loss of life can never mark the end for those who bore the most.

“There’s never going to be any closure for me," said Elaine Leuning, who lost her son, Paul Battaglia. “I don’t want to be involved in the trial. It’s not going to do it for me, it’s just not. It’s not going to make me feel any better. This is my son. This is a piece of me that’s gone."

See also:

Who are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other accused terrorists?

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed 9/11 trial carries risks

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