The reversal of the plea deal for 9/11 terrorists receives praise from victims groups and Republicans.

The plea deal for the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks and his accomplices was reversed on Friday, earning praise and demands for justice from victims groups and Republican lawmakers.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., posted on X after news broke that Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III had revoked the deal.

"Now deliver long awaited justice for 9/11 families," he said.

On Thursday, Pentagon prosecutors sparked national outrage by announcing a plea agreement with four Guantánamo Bay detainees, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. The deal, which was kept secret, removed the death penalty as a possibility, according to three relatives of 9/11 victims who were informed by the Office of Military Commissions (OMC), as reported by the New York Post.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the worst terror attack on U.S. soil in American history, leaving families of the victims, groups representing them, and lawmakers bewildered and furious that those responsible might not be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The House Oversight and Armed Services Committees separately announced investigations into the plea deals, with Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., calling them "unconscionable."

The military commission agreement was rescinded after Austin relieved the official in charge and assumed their authority.

The secretary wrote a memo on Friday stating that effective immediately, they are withdrawing from the three pretrial agreements signed on July 31, 2024.

The defense secretary did not provide a reason for not intervening before the plea deals were made public.

The group that represents the victims' families and survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks praised his swift action to reverse course.

"Terry Strada, national chair for 9/11 Families United, stated that Defense Secretary Austin's decision to not negotiate with terrorists showcases America's strength. He added that the media has amplified their calls for justice and the same mercy will be given to the three detainees at Guantánamo Bay who murdered his husband, none."

The Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act was called for by her, urging Congress to pass it so that families of terrorism victims could seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism.

If you harm Americans on American soil, we will hold you accountable in a U.S. court and justice will be served, as stated by Strada.

New York Republican lawmakers commended the defense secretary's move, but insisted that Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and other Sept. 11 terrorists be tried for their offenses and receive the harshest punishment possible.

Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., expressed gratitude for @SecDef Austin's decision to hold terrorists accountable for their atrocities, in response to calls from himself and colleagues. Failing to do so would be an insult to victims' families and send the wrong message to enemies, he said.

Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican congresswoman from New York, urged the Pentagon prosecutors to expedite the trial process.

"Unacceptable is anything less than the pursuit of the death penalty. Thank you to all who spoke out for real justice, not a sweetheart deal for terrorists. Now, let's set the trial date."

Sec. Austin and President Biden should put an end to the 23-year-long nightmare by expediting the execution of these terrorists and delivering justice to the families of those affected by 9/11, as demanded by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito.

The Defense Department has been contacted by the White House for comment on the plea agreement and Austin's reversal, but top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have not yet commented.

Swift responses from other victims' groups were received regarding both the deal and the Biden-Harris administration's reversal.

The president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, Patrick Hendry, informed Planet Chronicle that the recent decision brought immense relief to the families of 9/11 terror attack victims.

"Thanks to the courage of the families of our 9/11 heroes, the shameful plea agreements have been reversed," Hendry said.

"Our relief and gratitude are palpable, but the task is not yet complete. From the outset, we have maintained that the terrorists responsible for the loss of so many innocent lives must face the harshest possible consequences. The security of our country and the families of the deceased demand nothing less."

Brett Eagleson, the president of the 9/11 Justice Group, expressed his astonishment and frustration that the families of the victims were not informed or consulted about the plea agreement or its revocation.

Eagleson stated that the monsters responsible for the attacks must be compelled to reveal all information they possess about the attacks and be held entirely responsible for the deaths of our loved ones. The focus is not solely on punishment but on uncovering the complete truth.

Our commitment to obtaining truth and justice remains unwavering. We demand that the administration compels these individuals to disclose crucial information about the 9/11 attacks, including the extent of Saudi Arabia's involvement. The American people and the families of the nearly 3,000 victims have a right to know every detail. This decision should not impede our efforts to hold those responsible, including the Saudi government, accountable for their roles in this heinous crime.

He advocated for the cancellation of these plea bargains to enhance "transparency and accountability."

The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report was contributed to by Stepheny Price of Planet Chronicle Digital and Bill Mears of Planet Chronicle.