Never before in our history has an American president claimed the power to be able to detain without charge and indefinitely an American citizen in a civilian setting.
If they have evidence that he did something wrong, indict him and give him a forum where he can defend himself as every American citizen has been able to do for the last 225 years.
This case started in a very unusual way but I'm happy to say that today it is a criminal proceeding. Mr. Padilla is being treated as any American citizen charged with wrongdoing in this country.
This case started in an unusual way, but I'm happy today it's in a criminal court proceeding. Mr. Padilla is being treated like any other American citizen in the criminal justice system.