By Rick Howlett
Louisville, KY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is disputing the Justice Department's defense of prosecuting terrorism suspects in Kentucky, saying the case is unique.
McConnell wants the two Iraqis tried in Guantanamo Bay rather than in civilian court in Kentucky. The Kentucky Republican met Friday with local elected officials and law enforcement in Bowling Green, where the suspects were arrested.
Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Attorney David Hale says any claims that a civilian trial would put the state at risk of attack are unfounded. Hale read from a statement this afternoon.
"Before and since 9/11, hundreds of individuals have been convicted of Terrorism or terrorism-related offenses in our civilian courts. Not one of these individuals has escaped custody and not one of the judicial districts involved have suffered retaliatory attacks."
McConnell said this case is unique because it involves alleged foreign terrorists who entered the country as a result of a mistake by the government and are being given protections of the Bill of Rights.