Department of Justice Seal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2000

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888


STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO

ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE 16 TH STREET
BAPTIST CHURCH BOMBING CASE


"The bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church was one of the most tragic incidents during the civil rights movement of the 1960's.

"Today's indictments are a welcome development. They are a sign of the dedication of federal and state authorities who have been pursuing this case over the past four decades.

"Led by U.S. Attorney Doug Jones, and the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division, we recently reenergized our investigation and provided our investigative results to the Jefferson County District Attorney's office in Birmingham. We have also agreed to cross designate federal prosecutors to work together with state prosecutors.

"No crime like this should go unpunished. And we remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice."

NOTE: The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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