Lawmakers want Department of Justice to stop French transfer of 9/11 terrorist who fears Trump will be elected and execute him.

The plea from Zacarias Moussaoui, a convicted terrorist linked to the September 11 attacks, has stirred controversy and outrage among lawmakers in Virginia. In a handwritten letter to federal Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Moussaoui expressed fears of facing execution if Donald Trump were to be reelected as president.

Moussaoui, known as the “20th hijacker,” has requested to be transferred back to France from the federal Supermax prison ADX Florence in Colorado. He cited his prior cooperation with U.S. authorities against al Qaeda members, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, as grounds for his plea.

In the lengthy letter, Moussaoui referred to the presidential powers and highlighted the actions of the Trump Justice Department, particularly in the case of Gen. Michael Flynn. Critics pointed out the complexities of extradition involving countries with differing stances on the death penalty, as seen in the case of Ira Einhorn in 2001.

Moussaoui’s change in demeanor was apparent in his plea as compared to his disruptive behavior during his 2006 trial, where he made inflammatory remarks and false claims related to the 9/11 attacks. Despite his past actions, Moussaoui believes there is a window of opportunity to return to France before the 2025 Inauguration Day.

In response to Moussaoui’s request, a group of U.S. senators, led by Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, vehemently opposed any consideration of transferring Moussaoui to France. They emphasized that convicted terrorists responsible for heinous crimes like those of September 11 should serve their sentences in U.S. prisons.

Senators such as John Hoeven, Marsha Blackburn, and Ted Cruz joined in urging the Biden administration to reject Moussaoui’s plea and ensure he faces justice in the United States. The senators emphasized the gravity of Moussaoui’s crimes and the profound impact on the victims and their families.

Originally apprehended in August 2001 on suspicion of flight training classes, Moussaoui’s connection to the 9/11 attackers and his subsequent sentence to life imprisonment for terrorism offenses have prompted concerns around his potential transfer. The Justice Department, while acknowledging Moussaoui’s plea, reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing his life sentence within U.S. custody.

Moussaoui’s plea to avoid perceived threats of execution under a future Trump administration has sparked debates and strong reactions among lawmakers, underscoring the enduring significance of the September 11 attacks and the pursuit of justice for those responsible.