Specter Meets Weaver in Prelude to Ruby Ridge Probe

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) met with white separatist Randy Weaver on Saturday as part of a planned congressional probe into the deadly standoff at Ruby Ridge, Ida.

“I’m not prejudging the matter,” Specter said. “My subcommittee is going to pursue this and find out what the facts are, wherever they may lead. And I’d like to tell you, Mr. Weaver expressed his appreciation for having the oversight hearing.”

The August, 1992, raid by law enforcement agents on Weaver’s cabin resulted in the deaths of Weaver’s wife and teen-age son and one FBI agent. Weaver was later acquitted of murder-conspiracy charges in connection with the incident.

Four top FBI officials were suspended Friday as part of an investigation into the matter, and a federal criminal inquiry into a possible cover-up was opened.

Specter, who is running for President, will begin Senate hearings on the Ruby Ridge incident on Sept. 6.

Specter expressed concern that the hearing not be viewed as partisan or as favoring white separatists over law enforcement.

“It has to be handled very, very carefully so that it’s not Democrats and Republicans, and it’s not “us against them” and it’s not disparaging for law enforcement, but it’s also to protect constitutional rights,” Specter said.

He said the congressional probe will also include an inquiry into such groups as the Aryan Nation and the militias.

“This is a congressional matter as to what the threat is out there and what the standards are for an FBI or an ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms] investigation.”