FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

George Phillips, candidate for Congress in New York’s 22nd district, released the following statement regarding the proposed relocation of trials for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists to Newburgh, New York.

“The ongoing debate over where to hold trials for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators seems to keep shifting from one bad idea to another. It was inappropriate for the Obama administration to originally suggest civilian trials in New York City and moving the venue up to our district is certainly no better. This is not a question of who is or isn’t capable of providing the necessary security and facilities. Mayor Valentine is a dedicated public servant and I’m confident that his intentions are nothing but the best. But the fact remains that these terrorists do not merit a civilian trial in any location. Congress has already provided for and approved a system of military tribunals where these enemy combatants can receive the full measure of due process appropriate for the ongoing war on terror, and this is how we should proceed.

“The question becomes far more personal for us here in the 22nd district now that Newburgh has been offered as an alternate venue. I believe Assemblyman Marc Molinaro was correct in his response. Maurice Hinchey has suggested that he is considering the proposal and that it might be appropriate and effective. I’m not sure what more information Mr. Hinchey needs. Shipping these terrorists into our area for a full civilian trial with all the trimmings is clearly not worth whatever imagined benefit he may see coming from it. After the catastrophe which we very nearly experienced on Christmas day, one would think that Maurice Hinchey would realize that we’re still at war.”