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The Pentagon announced on Saturday that it was “suspending” a COVID-19 vaccination plan at Guantanamo Bay – after accusations by Republicans and 9/11 survivors that it was prioritizing terrorist suspects over Americans.
“No Guantanamo detainee has been vaccinated,” Defense Department spokesman John Kirby tweeted. “We are putting the plan on hold and moving forward, as we revise the force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to ensure the safety of our troops.”
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Two defense officials confirmed to Fox News plans to offer COVID-19 vaccines to 40 detainees at the detention site near Cuba. A lack of vaccines would have made it difficult for federal prosecutors to conduct grassroots war crimes hearings.
The order was signed on Jan. 27 by Terry Adirim, the senior deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs who was sworn in as a person appointed by Biden on the day of the inauguration, a spokesperson said. Pentagon word to New York Post.
“It will be administered on a voluntary basis and in accordance with the Ministry’s priority distribution plan,” a spokesperson said at the outlet.
Detainees at the base include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, or KSM, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. It is not known how many Guantanamo detainees, if any, have been infected with COVID-19 to date. Vaccinations for medical personnel and some troops stationed at the base began on January 8.
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But the move sparked a fierce crackdown from Republicans and 9/11 survivors.
“It is inexcusable and anti-American that President Biden chooses to prioritize the vaccinations of terrorists convicted in Gitmo over the elderly or vulnerable American veterans,” Representative Elise Stefanik, R-NY said on Saturday.
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“President Biden told us he would have a plan to beat the virus on day one,” Minority House Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted. “He just never told us it would be giving the vaccine to terrorists before most Americans.”
“You can’t make it up. The ridiculousness of what we’re getting from our government. They’ll pass the vaccine to these living basins in Guantanamo Bay before every resident of the United States of America gets it is the theater absurd, “Tom Von Essen, who was the city’s fire marshal during 9/11, told the Post.
Lucas Tomlinson and Thomas Barrabi of Fox News contributed to this report.
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