Delegate Glenn Oder is concerned for the safety of Virginians concerning the possibility of Newport News hosting trials for Guantanamo Bay terrorists, a possibility according to media reports. We all know the sensitive military nature of the entire Tidewater area, and this is simply a bad idea being considered by the current administration.

Delegate Glenn Oder has spent 8 years looking out for Virginians as the Delegate for the 94th House District, and will continue to do so. Thanks for watching our backs, Delegate Oder!

The following is a press release from Delegate Oder on the subject:

For Immediate Release: August 13, 2009
Contact: Scott Weldon, 240-876-6945

Press Release: Del. Glenn Oder opposes Guantanamo Bay inmates in Newport News, Virginia

Del. Glenn Oder (R-Newport News) expressed his concern for the safety of the citizens of Newport News in response to media reports that name the new courthouse in Newport News, Virginia as a possible site for terrorism trials for some Guantanamo Bay inmates, including the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, if the Obama administration sends cases into the federal courts.
“Within walking distance of this courthouse you can find the design studios for our nation’s nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines,” said Oder. “Thousands of civilian and military workers each day crowd the streets of our downtown environment as they go to work and enjoy their lunch breaks. To hold those trials next to our nation’s nuclear shipbuilder is an invitation to terrorism.”
The Washington Post cited law enforcement sources naming Newport News as a possible site to hold these trials. While these trials have formerly been held in the City of Alexandria, federal law enforcement officials now say the area in Alexandria has become too congested with hotels, restaurants, and luxury apartments making the area too difficult to defend. These law enforcement officials say the location of the Newport News Federal Courthouse is better because it is located in a “semi-industrial” area .
“I believe the danger to national security and our community is unacceptable and the safety concerns cannot be mitigated,” added Oder. ” To refer to this site as a semi-industrial area diminishes the unique location of the courthouse to our city hall as well as the other businesses and apartments located in this region of our city.”
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