New York, NY, February 23, 1999…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the Jasper, Texas jury’s verdict finding John William King guilty of capital murder in the brutal racial slaying of James Byrd, Jr., saying it "gave meaning to swift and true justice in the face of this horrific hate crime." ADL called on the Texas Legislature to pass the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Act, which would strengthen existing legislation.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, and Jonathan Bernstein, ADL Regional Director Southwest Region, issued the following statement in reaction to the guilty verdict in the trial of John William King for the murder of James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper, Texas:

Today’s conviction of John William King for Mr. Byrd’s brutal racial murder in Jasper, Texas was a welcome affirmation of the American justice system. The jury gave meaning to swift and true justice in the face of this horrific hate crime. If we as a society can learn from this crime that racism, allowed to fester unchecked, carries within it the seeds of violence, something positive may yet grow from this tragedy.

The Byrd murder was a wake-up call for Americans who believed that hate crimes were no longer a problem in this country. It was also a reminder for those who ignore the threat of extremist organizing and recruitment behind prison walls.

It is clear that the jury was as horrified by this vicious crime as were the people of Jasper, who from the beginning made it clear that haters were not welcome in their community. We salute them, and the example they have set for other communities confronting hate violence. Our prayers are with the Byrd family who must endure two more trials of those charged with the murder.

To underscore the importance of the message conveyed by today’s verdict, ADL is co-sponsoring a rally in support of stronger hate crimes legislation in Texas this Thursday evening at the Houston Area Urban League at 7:00 p.m. Additional details are available from the ADL Houston Regional Office, at (713) 627-3490.

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.