The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal over a plea agreement involving Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of being a key planner of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and two other suspects. The decision leaves an appeals court ruling in place that invalidated the agreement.

Under the agreement reached two years earlier, the three men would have pleaded guilty and received life sentences rather than face the death penalty. Then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin voided the deal within days, so the death penalty remains possible.