Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has dramatically revoked a proposed plea deal for the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks that triggered outrage.

Austin said Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and two accomplices were no longer eligible for life sentences in prison without the prospect of the death penalty in return for a guilty plea.

He also relieved the official responsible for the plea deal of her duties. Retired Brigadier General Susan K Escallier will no longer oversea the case, just two days after announcing the plea deal. The development was first reported by The New York Times Friday evening. 

Friday’s shock U-turn means Mohammed and his accomplices – Walid Bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawasawi – could once again face the death penalty.

This Saturday March 1, 2003, shows Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, the alleged Sept. 11 mastermind, shortly after his capture during a raid in Pakistan

All three have been held in Guantanamo Bay since the early 2000s.  

News of Wednesday’s plea deal left families of many of the 3,000 murdered in the September 2001 terror attacks ‘deeply troubled.’ 

Many said they feared the deal means they’d never find out who was really behind the attacks on New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, amid suspicions that Saudi Arabia was deeply-involved in the terror spectacular. 

9/11 Justice President Brett Eagleson explained: ‘We are deeply troubled by these plea deals. While we acknowledge the decision to avoid the death penalty, our primary concern remains access to these individuals for information.

‘These plea deals should not perpetuate a system of closed-door agreements, where crucial information is hidden without giving the families of the victims the chance to learn the full truth.

‘We need to know the extent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 9/11 attacks. 

‘This is not just about punishment, it is about uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on that tragic day.

‘Our stance is clear: if a deal is to be made, it must ensure that we obtain the vital evidence these individuals possess.’

The deals were approved by the Pentagon – the same organization whose boss has now rescinded them.  

Developing story, check back for updates…