    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 23, 1999]
    [Page 244]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Verdict in the James Byrd, Jr., Murder Trial
    February 23, 1999

        When James Byrd, Jr., was murdered, it was my hope that people would
    join together across racial lines to demonstrate that an act of evil
    like this is not what our country is all about. That hope was fulfilled
    over the past 8 months, as citizens across the country expressed their
    outrage and grief over this tragedy and their determination to ensure
    that justice be done.
        I hope that the verdict rendered today by 12 citizens in Jasper,
    Texas, will bring some sense of closure to the family and friends of Mr.
    Byrd. The First Lady and I offer our prayers for them and our hope that
    their memories of Mr. Byrd's life will sustain them in the difficult
    time ahead. The jury has spoken. Our work for racial reconciliation and
    an end to all crimes of hatred in this country will go on.