Nation IN BRIEF : OKLAHOMA : Reno’s Role in Death Decision Criticized

Atty. Gen. Janet Reno should be barred from deciding whether Timothy J. McVeigh would face execution if convicted because her remarks about the federal building bombing have made a charade of justice, McVeigh’s lawyer said. Shortly after the April 19 bombing that killed 168 people, Reno and President Clinton said that those responsible would face the death penalty. Defense lawyer Richard Burr said the two violated McVeigh’s rights by announcing “the premature decision.” U.S. Atty. Patrick Ryan will make the initial recommendation on the death penalty to a committee that reports to Reno.