Statement from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows on the DC Circuit Court's Ruling Invalidating Pre-Trial Agreements Made With Three of the 9/11 Accused

July 11, 2025

Statement from September 11^th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows on the DC Circuit Court's Ruling Invalidating Pre-Trial Agreements Made With Three of the 9/11 Accused

Peaceful Tomorrows has this to say about the D.C. Circuit's ruling today: 'It ain't over til it's over'.

The court's split decision amplifies a flawed military commissions process, one we have spent years witnessing in deep frustration. Last July, 9/11 family members received word that three of the defendants had agreed to plead guilty in the case. For the first time in 24 years, there was a partial end in sight. Days later, that was revoked.

9/11 family members today are no closer to judicial finality than we were at the arraignment in 2012. In fact, we may be further away. If any of the five defendants die before a conviction or recognized guilty plea, history will record them as legally not guilty, negating accountability for the murder of 2,976 persons. 

What the D.C. Circuit’s ruling does today is further remind every victim family member that they may themselves die before seeing justice for their loved one. Already, far too many 9/11 family members have experienced that fate.

Justice delayed is justice denied. Whether by trial or plea agreement the end will certainly be the same for the defendants - life imprisonment. Twenty four years is enough waiting.