Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille isn’t rolling out the welcome mat for another high-profile terrorist case.
The city was the site of the 2006 death penalty trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, convicted of conspiring in the Sept. 11 attacks — and the bomb-sniffing dogs, armed guards and virtual lockdown that came with it.
As Justice officials mull a District trial for Riduan “Hambali” Isamuddin, accused of the 2002 Bali bombing that killed around 200 people, security experts say Washington’s detention center isn’t equipped to house him.
And they point to Alexandria’s as a natural fit, much to Euille’s chagrin.
“The city’s opposed to having any terrorist tried in our city,” he said. “It’s not about what we’ll be known as but protecting the quality of life of our residents.”
He said the inconvenience for Alexandrians outweighs any perks associated with bringing an alleged mass murderer to justice.
Euille said mayhem would only intensify from the Moussaoui trial, citing the thousands of people who have flocked to homes surrounding the detention center since then.
Though Alexandria officials have no say in the decision, Euille said they have sent numerous letters to Justice officials asking they not force terror suspects on the city.
Hambali was one of 14 believed al Qaeda members moved to Guantanamo Bay in 2006.
Moussaoui was sentenced to life in prison in May 2006 after a seven-week sentencing trial in Alexandria — and years and millions of dollars spent pursuing the death penalty.
