9/11 Victims’ Daughters Seek Answers as Trial of Accused Mastermind Faces Delays

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, two women who lost their fathers in the terrorist assault are confronting the prolonged absence of justice for the man accused of orchestrating the plots. Elizabeth Miller, whose father, NYC firefighter Douglas Miller, perished in the burning World Trade Center, and Jessica Trant, whose father, bond salesman Daniel Trant, died on the 104th floor of the North Tower, have united to demand accountability from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

Mohammed, who confessed to planning the attacks while detained at Guantanamo Bay, is scheduled to face trial there in 2028. However, the proceedings have encountered significant legal hurdles. In August, a military judge ruled that Mohammed’s confession could not be admitted as evidence because it could not be disentangled from the torture he endured following his capture in 2003.

The complex legal landscape is the focus of “Daughters of 9/11,” a new documentary premiering Friday on CBS. The film chronicles the women’s journey to obtain closure for themselves, other grieving families, and the public. Trant expressed that her personal grief evolved into a sense of duty after she was prepared to face her emotions. “People forget that when the buildings go down, they’re not watching buildings; they are watching our loved ones being murdered,” Trant said during an appearance on “CBS Mornings.” “My grief turned into a responsibility… That responsibility was going to Guantanamo and it became my mission now.”

The documentary also features Frank Pellegrino, a former FBI special agent who spent years tracking Mohammed and conducted the face-to-face interrogation in which the accused confessed. Pellegrino described Mohammed as arrogant and devoid of remorse during the four-day session. Mohammed reportedly told Pellegrino, “I did it,” claiming responsibility for the operation from start to finish.

Pellegrino revealed that he continues to struggle with guilt over his inability to apprehend Mohammed before the attacks, despite his team coming close on multiple occasions in the years prior. Trant pushed back against this sentiment, stating that Pellegrino was one of the few voices demanding attention to the threat. She added that she feels indebted to him rather than blaming him, noting his continued dedication to victim families after 9/11.

Mohammed faces numerous charges, including conspiracy, terrorism, hijacking, and murder linked to the deaths of 2,976 people. While Miller noted that the anniversary week brings an “overwhelming sense of love,” she also admitted feeling ready to retreat from the public attention. “Daughters of 9/11” will air at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and will be available to stream on Paramount+.