New York, NY, June 2, 1997...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said today that the guilty verdict in the trial of Oklahoma City bombing defendant, Timothy McVeigh, "sends an unequivocal message to-would be terrorists that the American people will not tolerate terrorism on our own soil." ADL, which tracks and exposes right-wing extremists, including armed militias, called for legislation to directly address the threat posed by such potentially violent anti-government groups.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

The verdict sends an unequivocal message to would-be terrorists that the American people will not tolerate terrorism on our own soil. The horrific bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City brought home the reality that home-grown extremists have the capacity and the willingness to murder innocent citizens as part of their resistance to the American government.

Though the Oklahoma City bombing was clearly the work of a relative few, thousands of other right-wing anti-government extremists remain active, promoting an agenda of violence, hatred and paranoia. In order to protect America from would-be terrorists, law enforcement must be empowered to take on these thugs and avert future tragedies. We call on Congress to enact a statute that would criminalize the paramilitary activities of militia groups.

We commend the Justice Department for its dedication in tracking down McVeigh and successfully prosecuting him for the single worst act of domestic terrorism in American history. We applaud Judge Richard P. Matsch for the dignified manner in which he presided over the proceedings, and we are satisfied that the trial was conducted in a fair, efficient and speedy way.

Editor's Note: For background material on militias and other right-wing extremists and to speak with an ADL expert contact the ADL Media Relations Department.

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.