9/11 architect, co-conspirators plead guilty to murder of 2,976 people in exchange for removal of death penalty

Three terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay, including the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, have made a deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty. They have instead been charged with the murder of 2,976 people that died.

A spokesperson for the Office of Military Commissions (OMC), confirmed to The New York Post that it had entered into pre-trial agreements with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. KSM has been accused of being the mastermind of the deadly 9/11 terrorist attacks which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. KSM and the two other terrorists have been held at the US military prison in Cuba since 2003.

A letter signed by Rear Adm. Aaron C. Rugh, chief prosecutor for the OMC, was sent to victims’ families Wednesday and read, “In exchange for removal of the death penalty as a possible punishment, these three Accused have agreed to plead guilty to all of the charged offenses, including the murder of the 2,976 people listed in the charge sheet.”

The guilty plea hearings could take place as early as next week with sentencing expected next summer.