After nearly two decades of legal twists and turns, the families of 9/11 victims are awaiting a potential guilty plea from accused mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The attacks on September 11, 2001, claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including paramedic Keith Fairben at the World Trade Center.
Ken Fairben, who lost his only child in the attacks, has been closely following the case, attending hearings at Guantanamo Bay and a military facility near his Long Island home. He sees a guilty plea and life sentence without parole as a small semblance of closure.
However, the potential plea deals have stirred mixed emotions among survivors and victims' families. Some view it as a betrayal, believing that a trial could reveal more about the attacks, including possible Saudi involvement.
For some, the issue of torture of the defendants while in CIA custody complicates the case. The pretrial hearings have focused on how this abuse may impact the evidence.
Elizabeth Miller, who lost her firefighter father on 9/11, supports the plea deal and sees Mohammed's admission of guilt as significant for closure and transparency.
On the other hand, retired firefighter Robert Reeg views the potential plea deals as surrender, feeling that it sends the wrong message to enemies.
As the case nears a potential turning point, families are grappling with a mix of emotions, from hope to resignation. The long-awaited plea could bring some resolution, but for many, the wounds of 9/11 remain raw.
