New York, NY, December 23, 1997...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said today that the guilty verdict in the trial of Oklahoma City bombing defendant Terry Nichols "makes it clear that the American people will not tolerate acts of terrorism and violence on our soil."

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

The verdict makes it clear that the American people will not tolerate acts of terrorism and violence on our soil. Like his co-conspirator Timothy McVeigh, who was convicted and sentenced to death earlier this year for the bombing, Mr. Nichols was driven by fierce anti-government views. Mr. Nichols has also actively participated in the "common law court" movement, whose adherents are engaged in an ongoing war against the United States government.

The verdict brings to a close the federal prosecution of the two known perpetrators of the bombing in Oklahoma City. But the pain and suffering of the 168 victims' friends and families will not end.

Moreover, violence-prone, anti-government extremists with beliefs similar to those of Mr. Nichols and Mr. McVeigh, continue to pose a threat to the American people. The Nichols trial uncovered some alarming details about this underground movement, reminding us all that we must remain vigilant.

We commend the Justice Department for successfully prosecuting Terry Nichols for the worst act of domestic terrorism committed in our country. We also applaud Richard P. Matsch for the just, fair and efficient manner in which he handled the proceedings.

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.