Defense Secretary Austin reverses Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's plea deals, reinstating death penalty eligibility.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reversed plea agreements made with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused 9/11 mastermind, and two other defendants. This decision reinstates their cases to be eligible for the death penalty. The original plea bargains, reached by retired Brig. Gen. Susan Escallier, would have resulted in life sentences at most. Austin's move has generated mixed reactions, with some 9/11 victims' families condemning the deal and politicians, such as Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, criticizing the administration.