Obama to Have Input on New Location for Khalid Sheik Mohammed Trial

President Obama plans to insert himself into the search for an alternate location for the trial of accused 9/11 planner Khalid Sheik Mohammed after plans to try him in Manhattan created a political backlash, the Washington Post reports.

Attorney General Eric Holder originally chose a Lower Manhattan courthouse because it was a legally neutral location, it has a network of underground tunnels to provide security, and it has a record of success in holding high-profile trials. But the administration now admits it mishandled the planning of the trial and was unprepared for the vehement protests of the American public and objections raised by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Holder said there was a small chance the trial could be moved from civilian court to a military commission, but that is not his legal preference.

"At the end of the day, wherever this case is tried, in whatever forum, what we have to ensure is that it's done as transparently as possible and with adherence to all the rules," Holder said. "If we do that, I'm not sure the location or even the forum is as important as what the world sees in that proceeding."

Administration officials said that Obama's involvement would be part of an effort to secure congressional funding for the expensive trial before political support melts away.