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FBI director, Reno welcome jury's decision on Waco case

July 14, 2000
Web posted at: 8:14 p.m. EDT (0014 GMT)

From Terry Frieden
CNN producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Both FBI Director Louis Freeh and Attorney General Janet Reno welcomed a federal jury's decision that the government is not to blame for the deaths of Branch Davidians in 1993.

"An enormous burden has been lifted," Freeh wrote in a statement released Friday.

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Government not to blame, Waco jury concludes

"This terrible tragedy was the responsibility of David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, not the federal government," said Reno in a brief statement issued through her spokesman in Washington. "We are pleased the jury affirmed that view."

Freeh praised the performance of the FBI agents at Waco, Texas, and made clear the FBI believes it is vindicated.

"There has been a lot of speculation, misinformation and second-guessing over the past seven years, and I am grateful that this trial and other actions by the court allowed the allegations to be aired and the facts to be proved," Freeh said.

"The significance of the jury's findings to the courageous federal law enforcement officers who have had to absorb unproven allegations and public criticisms for these years cannot be overstated. An enormous burden has been lifted from them and their families," he added.

"I hope that today's announcement will reinforce the fact that the actions taken during those 51 difficult days were taken by dedicated professionals who were doing their best under extraordinarily dangerous conditions."

His statement concluded: "Today also should serve as a reminder that ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) officers were killed in the line of duty. The families and loved ones of those agents can now take some solace in knowing this outcome also lifts from them the heavy burdens of unfounded allegations."

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Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Attorney's Office, Central District of California
Branch Davidian
Federal Tort Claims Act -- Defined & Explained

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