A Florida lawyer will soon head to Guantanamo Bay to witness history.

Tampa criminal defense attorney Kevin Napper will attend the military proceedings for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks. 

Napper was selected by the American Bar Association to be an independent observer of the pre-trial hearings when it resumes in January. 

Recently, the proceedings have centered on the use of enhanced interrogation techniques like waterboarding and whether admissions should be allowed as evidence in the trial. 

Napper said he is observing to ensure fairness and due process. 

"This will be one of the highlights of my career I think, going and observing," Napper said. "It will be interesting as a lawyer but also as an American citizen."

It's been 20 years since the terrorist attacks on 9-11, but Napper said it's something he will never forget.

"I think obviously for most people, they'll never forget," Napper said. "But as time passes and lfie events take over, the passage of time. It's been 20 years now, people perhaps have forgotten and their lives have moved on."

As a lawyer, Napper has already been watching the pre-trial hearings closely. Now, he said he wants to do his part to make sure the rule of law is followed.

Because of the pandemic and judge retirements, there have been several delays in the proceedings.

Napper will spend a week in Guantanamo Bay for the pre-trial hearings.

No date has been set for the actual trial.