Updated

Rain didn't deter several hundred people from rallying in front of Manhattan's federal courthouse complex, to protest plans to try major terrorism suspects in New York City.

Actor Brian Dennehy and people who lost loved ones in the 9/11 terror attacks were among those demonstrating. Opponents of the Obama administration plans say a New York trial could make the city a terrorism target. They say the five terror suspects, including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, should instead face a military tribunal.

Dennehy passed along a message from the father of murdered Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who says the trial would be "an uncalled-for ordeal that could be used for political purposes."

Before the rally, however, Lorie Van Auken, who lost her husband at the World Trade Center, said it's fitting those accused in the attacks answer charges a short walk from ground zero.