King stands firm against civilian terror trials

The incoming chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee reiterated his opposition to civilian terror trials after a top Obama administration official said Wednesday that a resolution on the matter is "close."

“I urge Attorney General Holder not to hold any 9/11 trials in New York or anywhere in the United States," Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) said in a statement. "These 9/11 terrorists should be tried before a military commission at Guantanamo." 

King's comments indicates that House Republicans, who will be in the majority next year, could box in the administration when it comes to where and when to hold the trial of accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other alleged terrorists.

The New York lawmaker responded to Attorney General Eric Holder's claim that the U.S. government is close to agreeing on a plan for a trial.

"The process is an ongoing one," Holder told reporters in Washington. "We are working to make a determination about the placement of that trial. I hope that whenever the decision is, it is one that will be based on the merits and what is best for the case and justice in that case." 

The administration was forced to regroup after its plan to try Mohammad in a New York City civilian court came under fierce criticism.