The Pentagon announced on Saturday that it was “interrupting” a plan to deliver COVID-19 vaccines in Guantanamo Bay – following accusations by Republicans and 9/11 survivors that it was prioritizing terrorism suspects over Americans.
“No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated,” tweeted Defense Department press secretary John Kirby. “We are interrupting the plan to move forward, while reviewing the force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe. ”
GOP REPS SLAM PENTAGON MOVE TO GIVE COVID-19 VACCINES TO GITMO DETAILS
Two defense officials confirmed to Fox News the plan to offer COVID-19 vaccines to 40 detainees at the place of detention near Cuba. The lack of vaccines would have made it difficult for federal prosecutors to continue the war crimes hearings at the base.
The order was signed on January 27 by Terry Adirim, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs who swore an oath as appointed by Biden on the day of the inauguration, a Pentagon spokesman told the New York Post.
“It will be administered on a voluntary basis and according to the Department’s priority distribution plan,” said a spokesman for the vehicle.
Detainees at the base include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, or KSM, the suspected mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. It is unclear how many Guantanamo prisoners, if any, have been infected with COVID-19 so far. Vaccination for health professionals and some troops stationed at the base began on January 8.
OJ SIMPSON IS VACCINATED IN FRONT OF YOU – AND 9/11 MASTERMIND KSM CAN ALSO: REPORTS
But the change provoked strong resistance from Republicans and 9/11 survivors.
“It is unforgivable and anti-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccination for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable elderly or American veterans,” Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY, said on Saturday.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“President Biden told us he would have a plan to defeat the virus on Day 1,” tweeted the minority leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy. “He never told us that it would be to give the vaccine to terrorists before most Americans.”
“You can’t make that up. The ridiculousness of what we get from our government. They are going to apply the vaccine to those scoundrels in Guantanamo Bay before every resident of the United States of America gets it, it’s the theater of the absurd.” Tom Von Essen, who was the city’s fire commissioner during 9/11, told the Post.
Lucas Tomlinson and Thomas Barrabi of Fox News contributed to this report.