The New York State Senate today overwhelmingly voted to enact a resolution co-sponsored and strongly supported by Senator Mike Nozzolio urging President Barack Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder not to hold the September 11th terrorism trials in New York City.
“The mere suggestion that these trials would be held just blocks from where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives is outrageous and tremendously disrespectful to those who lost their lives on September 11th. There is no justification whatsoever for this policy, which places all New Yorkers at risk and will cost taxpayers
$1 billion,” said Senator Nozzolio. “As President Obama appears indecisive on a matter of extreme importance to every resident of our State, I am pleased that the Senate has overwhelmingly voiced its opposition to this disastrous plan.”
The resolution gained strong bipartisan support as New Yorkers from every corner of the State have expressed outrage at the President’s refusal to move the trial. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has also voiced his strong opposition to holding the trials in the city.
Senator Nozzolio is calling for the terrorists to be tried by a military commission tribunal rather than in federal civilian court, where taxpayer dollars and State police resources would be diverted to cover security at a time when New York simply cannot afford it.
“It would be inappropriate to hold these trials anywhere in New York or in any civilian court for that matter,” said Senator Nozzolio. “These individuals carried out the most horrific crimes ever committed against the people of the United States. They have declared war against America and the freedoms we cherish. They should be tried as what they are… as enemy combatants.”
“This resolution will send a message to the President that he needs to reverse this decision without delay. The rights of terrorists should never come before the rights of Americans. I urge the United States Congress to stand with us in support of this resolution,” concluded Senator Nozzolio.
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