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McVeigh Execution: Justice Department to Fight Further Delay

Aired May 30, 2001 - 13:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR: Earlier today, we told you about Timothy McVeigh's lawyers, who would like to delay his execution yet again. Right now it is set for June 11.

Apparently, the government is responding to that request. Let's take you up now to Washington and CNN's Jeanne Meserve, who is watching this story unfold -- Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Natalie, a written statement has just been issued by Attorney General John Ashcroft. And let me read you a portion of that. It says: "The Justice Department will vigorously oppose any attempt to further delay the imposition of the sentence," that is of course the death sentence. A jury determined that the death penalty is the appropriate punishment for McVeigh, and failure to carry out that sentence would deny justice for the victims of this crime and for the American people.

You will recall that the attorney general did delay the execution for one month on May 11. His indication here is the Justice Department will fight if McVeigh and his lawyers decide to ask for a further delay of that execution.

Natalie, back to you.

ALLEN: All right, Jeanne Meserve in Washington.

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