Nov 01 2017

Statement From U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued this statement. 

“It appears the Trump Administration is continuing the Obama policy of criminalizing the War on Terror by not declaring Sayfullo Saipov an enemy combatant. 

“It’s ridiculous to believe that one day of interviews in a hospital tells us all we need to know about Saipov’s terrorist ties. Now that he’s lawyered up, that will likely be the end of intelligence gathering except through plea bargaining. 

“Plea bargaining is a bad way to gather intelligence – not required under the law of war. Given the facts, any first-year law school student could obtain a conviction in court. I am more concerned about intelligence gathering to help win a war. That is a process which takes time – time which is now lost.  

“The Trump Administration missed an important opportunity to send a strong message to terrorists and make America safer.  This is a huge mistake. Very sad.”

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