Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 21, 1994 TAG: 9412210095
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Defending the shooting in light of an extraordinary videotape that captured the confrontation's final moments, Maj. Robert Hines, a U.S. Park Police spokesman, said, ``The officer feared for his safety so he shot the man.''
Marcelino Corniel, who sleeps in Lafayette Park across from the president's home, stood practically motionless in a semicircle of police when a U.S. Park Police officer advanced and fired twice, hitting him in the chest and right leg.
Corniel was listed in very critical condition Tuesday night at George Washington University Hospital. Merle Goldberg, a hospital spokeswoman, said he was taken back to the operating room about 9:30 p.m. for additional surgery after repairs were made to his damaged liver earlier Tuesday.
The U.S. attorney's office said it intended to charge Corniel with assault on a federal officer, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison upon conviction. Sgt. Gregory Brown of the Park Police said Corniel had an ``extensive criminal history.''
The shooting came during a period of high tension among White House security personnel. Police denied that increased anxiety over previous shootings had made them more ready to fire. ``This was a seasoned officer,'' Park Police spokesman Hines said. ``I don't think they were more quick to fire.''
Officials said privately the Secret Service and the president are taking more precautions in light of the previous incidents, but investigators were not treating Tuesday's incident as a direct threat against President Clinton.
by CNB