New York, NY, July 10, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin for his recent statements about investigating extremist militia activities in addition to the 1993 events at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas.

In a letter to Secretary Rubin, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, wrote, "As you know, militias and other extremists across America have seized upon the Waco tragedy, claiming it as `evidence' for their conspiracy view that the federal government is intent on disarming, and imposing tyranny upon, the citizenry. Many militias believe that paramilitary resistance against this `enemy' federal government will ultimately be necessary, and they are training for such an eventuality."

Calling the militia movement a genuine threat because its adherents promote "manuals on bomb-making, guerilla warfare and assassination," Foxman told Secretary Rubin the League shares "your concerns about those who aim to convince their fellow Americans that our lives and nation are in peril from law enforcement agencies. We reiterate our belief that the extremist threat must be kept in the spotlight as Congress proceeds with its hearings on Waco."

ADL has issued several reports on domestic extremist groups, and in one of its publications, Armed & Dangerous: Militias Take Aim at the Federal Government, signaled the threat of the militia movement several months before the Oklahoma City bombing.

The House Judiciary and House Government Reform and Oversight committee hearings are scheduled to begin July 19.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.