TERROR IN OKLAHOMA CITY : The President’s Statement

Here is the text of President Clinton’s statement shortly after U.S. Atty. Gen. Janet Reno announced that one of two bombing suspects had been arrested in Oklahoma.

Good afternoon. First let me say how very proud I am of the swift and decisive and determined work of law enforcement officials on this case throughout the country. I know every American is proud of them too. Their continued vigilance makes me sure that we will solve this crime in its entirety and that justice will prevail.

Today I want to say a special word of thanks to the Justice Department, under the able leadership of the attorney general, to (FBI) Director Freeh and all the hundreds of people in the FBI who have worked on this case, to the men and women of the Bureau of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, to all the federal authorities, and to all the state and local enforcement officials, especially those in Oklahoma who have been working on this case. And, of course, I’d like to say a personal thanks, as I know all Americans would, to the Oklahoma lawman whose vigilance led to the initial arrest of the suspect.

As I said on Wednesday, justice for these killers will be certain, swift and severe. We will find them. We will convict them. And we will seek the death penalty for them.

Finally, I know I speak for all Americans when once again I extend our deepest thanks to the brave men and women who are still involved in the rescue teams. Let us not forget them. There is a lot of work for them still to do. It is difficult and it is often heartbreaking now.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people in Oklahoma City. And let me say again: You will overcome this moment of grief and horror. You will rebuild. And we will be there to work with you until the work is done.