Eastern District of Virginia hosts 9/11 observance on 25th anniversary of attacks

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia observed the 25^th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center with a reflective presentation hosted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos. The observation featured remembrances from former U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spencer.

Three months after the attacks, Al Qaida terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia. Moussaoui was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy, conspiracy to destroy aircraft, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to murder employees of the United States, and conspiracy to destroy property. U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema sentenced Moussaoui to life in prison.

Moussaoui remains the only individual to date to have ever been convicted in a U.S. court in connection with the September 11 attacks.

“It is impossible to adequately describe either the responsibility of bringing a measure of justice for those lost on September 11, 2001, or the honor of having been entrusted with that responsibility,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Stamos. “Dedicated EDVA employees passed the Pentagon on their daily commute to this office where they tirelessly worked on the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui. Among the best ways we can honor those who were lost that day are vigilance against those who seek to harm America and its people and the unyielding pursuit of justice each day.”