Statement to Employees by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General Mike Hayden on 9/11 War Crimes Charges

February 11, 2008

The Department of Defense announced today that war crimes charges related to the attacks of September 11, 2001 have been sworn against six detainees at Guantanamo. Five of those men--including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed--were previously held within CIA's high-value terrorist interrogation program. Our government believes that these six individuals, among others, played important roles in planning and promoting the murder of thousands of innocent people. Now that formal charges have been sworn, the Convening Authority of the Office of Military Commissions of the Department of Defense will determine if sufficient probable cause exists to refer the case for trial by military commission.

This is a crucial milestone on the road to justice for the victims of 9/11. So today, I would like to recognize the skill and dedication of our officers in the long and difficult fight against terror. From the start, CIA has been vital to the global offensive against al-Qa'ida, its leaders, and its sympathizers. That includes the detainees who have been charged and, within a judicial process, will be called to account for their actions. I applaud your efforts, your sacrifices, and your continued commitment to protect our nation in keeping with the rule of law.

Mike Hayden