After speaking to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), President Donald Trump supports John Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban,” serving his full prison sentence.
Lindh was sentenced to 20 years in a federal penitentiary in 2002 for his role in the death of Winfield, Alabama native Johnny Micheal “Mike” Spann’s death. However, Lindh is scheduled to be released early from that sentence on May 23.
This was formally condemned by the Alabama legislature and other state leaders when it was revealed two weeks ago, and Shelby sent a letter to the president on the subject last week.
Last week, I sent a letter to the President expressing my deep concern about recent reports that John Walker Lindh, a man who supported the Taliban during 9/11, could be released from prison this May, years ahead of his full sentence. pic.twitter.com/aPyc2BFGH2
— Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) April 2, 2019
Then, on Monday evening, Shelby spoke to Trump about the letter and Lindh.
“[President Trump] stated that he supports my call for Lindh to serve his full sentence. Lindh’s activities are deserving of a strong and strict punishment. Thank you, Mr. President,” Shelby tweeted.
The senator added that Lindh “is a threat to our national security and should serve the entirety of his 20 yr sentence.”
Spann, a CIA officer, was the first American known to be killed in “The War on Terror” in Afghanistan after 9/11. He was a graduate of Auburn University.
Shelby attended Spann’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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