[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.