President Obama will take part in the decision on where to try the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Washington Post reports. The move signals a recognition that the administration had mishandled the process and triggered a political backlash when it decided to hold the trial in Manhattan. Holder told the Post that the trial of Khalid Sheik Mohammed could be switched to a military commission, although that is not his personal and legal preference.
Obama said in a CBS interview that Manhattan was still an option. “I have not ruled it out,” he said. Officials in the states where a civilian trial could be held have voiced opposition to hosting one. Two states with ties to the terrorist attacks — New Jersey and Virginia — recently elected Republican governors. Two other potential states — New York and Pennsylvania — have key 2010 elections. One possible site is Newburgh, N.Y. State officials have said they would fight that move.