
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 19, 1993                   TAG: 9305190067
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

NOMINEE PROMISES FULL WACO PROBE

Investigators plan to interview about 900 people, including Attorney General Janet Reno, in their in-depth review of the Branch Davidian cult standoff, a top Justice Department appointee told Congress on Tuesday.

Harvard law Professor Philip Heymann, Reno's pick for the No. 2 Justice Department job, said the inquiry is expected to produce a minute-by-minute account of the 51-day Waco siege.

"My plans are and have been to conduct the most thorough, detailed Justice Department investigation that one can imagine," Heymann told the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing. "The investigation is without bounds."

The scope of the Justice Department investigation became an issue for lawmakers during the weekend after the New York Times reported Heymann did not plan an aggressive review. Heymann, who is expected to win confirmation, reportedly told the newspaper that investigators would not question Reno or re-examine her decision to use tear gas at the cult compound.

The former law professor did not attempt to explain the confusion, but his assurances seemed to satisfy committee members. "We will interview 900 people, right up to the top," Heymann said.

Sen. Dennis DeConcini, D-Ariz., replied, "I think that's really the best thing."

The Treasury Department is conducting is own review of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms' role in the standoff. The Waco siege began Feb. 28 when ATF agents attempted to serve a search warrant and arrest leader David Koresh.

by CNB