Tom Von Essen, the former commissioner of FDNY on September 11, 2001, and later the regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the COVID-19 outbreak, offers his response to reports regarding potential plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks, which would remove the death penalty as an option. The prospect of allowing these vile individuals a chance to strike a plea deal is beyond comprehension. These are not your ordinary criminals; they are barbaric beings who callously claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent men and women who were merely going about their daily routines. They also devastated the lives of the victims’ families and loved ones, as well as countless others who have succumbed to illnesses resulting from the toxic fumes of the Twin Towers collapse. Tom Von Essen, who served as FDNY commissioner on that fateful day in 2001, expresses his disappointment in the lack of leadership displayed in failing to address the issue of these perpetrators adequately over the past 22 years. It is disheartening that the decision now appears to be one of inaction. Former Defense Secretary Bob Gates was correct in his assessment of Joe Biden’s foreign policy acumen, as this situation further exemplifies. Rather than holding the Saudis accountable, they are allowed to buy forgiveness by throwing money at trivial pursuits like golf. When will we prioritize leading the world with respectful and ethical actions? It is high time we set aside corruption, greed, and incompetence, even if only temporarily. These criminals should not be treated as bargaining chips for other hostages. They should stand trial and, once convicted, be subjected to the appropriate punishment – execution. The timing of this ill-conceived idea is particularly painful for the families affected and, personally, for Tom Von Essen, as the 22nd anniversary of that horrific day in September approaches. As invitations to memorials and remembrances pour in, the thoughts of those lost are ever-present. Some families may choose not to attend, overwhelmed with grief, while others choose to stay at home and commemorate their loved ones in their own way. For Tom Von Essen, attending the ceremony to pay respect to the courageous souls who risked their lives for strangers is of utmost importance. It takes a unique kind of individual to make such sacrifices. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives. Let us reserve the term “hero” for those who truly deserve it, such as our first responders, military personnel, nurses, and doctors. Witnessing their dedication firsthand during the COVID-19 response in New York City while leading FEMA was a humbling experience for Tom Von Essen. The emergency room doctors, nurses, and EMS personnel demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment. They faced the heart-wrenching reality of witnessing the death of hundreds, then thousands, of individuals without the comfort of their families by their side. While we cannot prevent innocent lives from being lost to disease, we have a responsibility to care for the loved ones they leave behind. Our leaders also have an obligation to make every effort to bring those responsible to justice. Unfortunately, it is evident that we have not fulfilled this responsibility adequately from the start. We should not worsen the situation by negotiating concessions with these individuals who are beneath our concept of humanity.
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