NEW YORK (AP) — As the families of 9/11 victims brace for potential closure after more than two decades, uncertainty looms over whether Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, will enter a guilty plea as anticipated. Many of these families have invested years of waiting and traveling to observe the slow-moving legal process, with hopes that a plea could provide some degree of justice. Ken Fairben, who lost his son, a paramedic, on that tragic day, reflects on his emotional journey to the Guantanamo Bay military courtroom, where relatives gather to witness the proceedings. The shared experience of mourning, coupled with the potential resolution, has united numerous families in anticipation of the scheduled plea.

Despite the profound hopes, it remains unclear if these plea negotiations will proceed. The federal government has sought to block the deals, which could potentially prevent the death penalty from being imposed. "I honestly felt that there was progress being made... it wasn't like we were in limbo and no light at the end of the tunnel," stated Fairben, capturing the complex emotions involved. Among the families awaiting resolution, feelings range from **hope** and **gratification** to **anger** and **resignation**. Some relatives are distressed by the plea agreements, believing that they rob the public and victims’ families of the necessary evidence in a potential trial.

Brett Eagleson, whose father also fell victim to the attacks, echoes a strong sentiment amongst many families. He views the plea as a profound betrayal and a culmination of governmental failures in disclosing critical information regarding the attacks, especially concerning the alleged involvement of the Saudi Arabian government. “It’s a sad day for America. It’s a sad day for justice,” Eagleson expressed, referring to the potential for missed opportunities for greater transparency.

Others, however, believe the plea deal might mark a step toward an end to what has been a burdensome and near interminable legal saga. Elizabeth Miller, who also lost her father in the attacks, expressed her yearning for a moment of acknowledgment from Mohammed. “Having KSM say that he’s guilty on record is important for me. And I think it’s important for the American people,” she said, highlighting the desires for justice that read across a spectrum of families.

The ramifications of the potential plea deals extend beyond immediate legal outcomes. Some survivors are concerned that the resolution might deprive them of further answers regarding the origins of the attacks. Gordon Haberman, who regularly traveled to Guantanamo for the hearings, questioned whether the American public is not owed the opportunity to hear the evidence against the defendants. His anguish reflects a broader longing for truth and accountability that many families feel has been disregarded throughout this process.

As the legal scenario continues to unfold, frustrations linger about the handling of trials related to the attacks. The complexities of the case—especially regarding the treatment of the defendants while in custody—complicate the possibility of a conventional trial, raising questions about the integrity of potential evidence.

At this crucial juncture, families struggling to navigate their grief and expectations find themselves at a crossroads marked by both uncertainty and a profound need for resolution. The possibility of a plea deal could signify a closure long-awaited, but it also epitomizes the ongoing struggle for justice that the families have faced since that fateful day.

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