Despite his past threats, 9/11 co-conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui has requested a transfer to France, sparking outrage among lawmakers who insist he should remain imprisoned on American soil.
In a surprising twist, Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called "20th hijacker" convicted in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has submitted a plea to a Virginia judge, requesting a transfer to his home country of France. Moussaoui's rationale stems from concerns that a potential resurgence of Donald Trump as president would lead to his execution.
Moussaoui's handwritten letter to federal Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria highlights his fears of being sentenced to death by executive order under a Trump administration. He argues that he previously pledged cooperation with U.S. authorities against al Qaeda operatives, but his plea has fallen on deaf ears.
The 20th Hijacker's Plea for Transfer Stirs Outrage
However, critics vehemently oppose Moussaoui's request. A dozen U.S. senators, led by Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, have penned a letter to President Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging them to reject the terrorist's plea.
The senators argue that Moussaoui's transfer would be an affront to the victims and families of the 9/11 attacks. They insist that he should serve his life sentence in the country he helped target.
The 20th Hijacker's Plea for Transfer Stirs Outrage
Senator John Hoeven emphasizes that Moussaoui and his co-conspirators "committed a heinous crime" that left an irreparable mark on the nation. He demands that the Biden administration deny the transfer request and ensure that Moussaoui remains incarcerated in the United States.
Senator Marsha Blackburn echoes this sentiment, asserting that any terrorist who played a role in 9/11 should never leave an American prison. She firmly believes that Moussaoui must serve his sentence on American soil.
The 20th Hijacker's Plea for Transfer Stirs Outrage
Senator Ted Cruz adds that the Justice Department should "unequivocally deny" Moussaoui's request. He maintains that Moussaoui's actions against the United States on 9/11 justify his continued imprisonment in the country he attacked.
Moussaoui's original arrest in August 2001 stemmed from suspicions surrounding his flight training classes and a wire transfer of $14,000 from Ramzi bin Alshibh, a fellow 9/11 co-conspirator.
The 20th Hijacker's Plea for Transfer Stirs Outrage
Despite Moussaoui's past courtroom outbursts and defiant behavior, his recent plea for transfer has elicited outrage from lawmakers who believe that his crimes warrant a lifetime behind bars in the United States.
The Justice Department's policy is to not discuss prisoner transfer requests, but a spokesperson confirms that Moussaoui is serving a life sentence for terrorism offenses and that the DOJ intends to enforce this sentence in U.S. custody.
The White House has declined to comment on the matter.
