Will Obama Opt for Military Tribunals for 9/11 Mastermind?: Jennifer Loven of the Associated Press reports that the Obama administration may opt for a military tribunal for Khalid Sheik Mohammed and other known terrorists. Attorney General Eric Holder has pushed for Mohammed to be tried in a civilian court, but because of costs, security, and logistical concerns, he has faced strong opposition and, after the attempted Christmas airline bombing, the Obama administration's terrorism policies were widely scrutinized. CNN reporter Suzanne Malveaux adds that congressional leaders are arguing that Mohammed should not be entitled to all of the protections and privileges that a defendant receives in a civilian court. Senator Joe Lieberman said to try Mohammed and other terrorists "as common criminals, giving them the constitutional rights of American citizens in our courts, is justice according to 'Alice in Wonderland.'" No recommendation has been given to the President, but there's hope for a decision to be made before March 18. Bill Otis also reports on the proposal. Fox News has this story by Catherine Herridge and Major Garrett.
Pentagon Shooter Harbored Resentment for American Government: Associated Press writers Matt Apuzzo and Eileen Sullivan report on yesterday's shooting at the Pentagon, and provide new information about the shooter. Last night, John Patrick Bedell, a 36-year-old American citizen, opened fire on two Pentagon police officers at the subway station across the street from the Pentagon building. Officers quickly responded and fired back, fatally shooting the gunman. Newly discovered information suggests that Bedell had a long-held frustration and distrust for the Federal government. Internet postings and blogs suggest that het may have resented the military and had significant doubts about the truth behind the 9/11 attacks. An investigation continues, and information on the shooting can be found here. SF Chron writers Jaxon Van Derbeken and Victoria Colliver have this profile of Bedell and his history of mental illness.
Nevada Supreme Court Denies "Schizophrenic's" Appeal: Martha Bellisle reports on the Nevada Supreme Court's decision to reject Tamir Hamilton's appeal. Hamilton was convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Holly Quick. He was sentenced to death for the murder, and two consecutive terms of 10 years to life in prison for the rape. Weeks before the Quick killing, Hamilton had also raped another female. Hamilton appealed his conviction, claiming there was a racial bias in selecting the jury because the judge allowed the prosecutor to exclude the only two black prospective jurors. Yesterday, the Nevada Supreme Court said the reasons for excusing the jurors were not "pretexts for racial discrimination." Hamilton also claimed that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment because he is an "incurable schizophrenic." The court responded, "Hamilton fails to demonstrate that he is incompetent to be executed and provides no authority indicating that schizophrenics as a class cannot be executed." The decision, Hamltion v. State of Nevada, can be found here.
Pentagon Shooter Harbored Resentment for American Government: Associated Press writers Matt Apuzzo and Eileen Sullivan report on yesterday's shooting at the Pentagon, and provide new information about the shooter. Last night, John Patrick Bedell, a 36-year-old American citizen, opened fire on two Pentagon police officers at the subway station across the street from the Pentagon building. Officers quickly responded and fired back, fatally shooting the gunman. Newly discovered information suggests that Bedell had a long-held frustration and distrust for the Federal government. Internet postings and blogs suggest that het may have resented the military and had significant doubts about the truth behind the 9/11 attacks. An investigation continues, and information on the shooting can be found here. SF Chron writers Jaxon Van Derbeken and Victoria Colliver have this profile of Bedell and his history of mental illness.
Nevada Supreme Court Denies "Schizophrenic's" Appeal: Martha Bellisle reports on the Nevada Supreme Court's decision to reject Tamir Hamilton's appeal. Hamilton was convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Holly Quick. He was sentenced to death for the murder, and two consecutive terms of 10 years to life in prison for the rape. Weeks before the Quick killing, Hamilton had also raped another female. Hamilton appealed his conviction, claiming there was a racial bias in selecting the jury because the judge allowed the prosecutor to exclude the only two black prospective jurors. Yesterday, the Nevada Supreme Court said the reasons for excusing the jurors were not "pretexts for racial discrimination." Hamilton also claimed that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment because he is an "incurable schizophrenic." The court responded, "Hamilton fails to demonstrate that he is incompetent to be executed and provides no authority indicating that schizophrenics as a class cannot be executed." The decision, Hamltion v. State of Nevada, can be found here.
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