    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 23, 1997]
    [Page 1822]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Oklahoma City Bombing Trials
    December 23, 1997

        Two years ago, I told the families of the 168 innocent men, women,
    and children who perished in the Murrah Federal Building that they had
    lost too much, but they had not lost America, and that we would stand by
    them for as long as it took.
        The dedicated team of prosecutors and investigators who brought
    these cases to a successful conclusion have helped to fulfill that
    promise. The Nation is deeply in their debt.
        I know that no verdict in a court of law can ease the loss of a
    loved one. But the successful prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry
    Nichols should offer a measure of comfort that all Americans stand with
    the families of Oklahoma City.