Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 2, 1995 TAG: 9508020051
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Cox News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Reno, the final witness in the 10 days of congressional hearings, told how she had agonized over ordering the use of tear gas to end the 51-day standoff between the FBI and Davidian leader David Koresh.
``I stayed awake at night, wondering what was the right thing to do,'' she said. ``What about the children?''
Reno said she considered every possible option to force out Koresh and his followers, even asking rescue experts whether it was possible to drop a sleeping potion from helicopters. She was told such technology didn't exist.
Reno said the recent birth of a niece and recent death of her mother weighed heavily on her mind as she considered the effect of tear gas on the children and the elderly among Koresh's followers.
She said she finally approved its use after experts advised that negotiations with Koresh and his well-provisioned flock had reached an impasse and FBI agents faced growing danger.
When Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., suggested she did not give enough thought to the 22 children with Koresh, she curtly replied:
``I don't think you comprehend - if you talk to me about children - the fact that this instance will be etched on my mind for the rest of my life. Those children, no matter how they were found, the fact that they are dead is a tragedy that will be with me for the rest of my life.''
Reno unwaveringly rejected suggestions that Clinton influenced the decision to make the final assault, telling the panel that the president wanted to be advised of events in Waco but did not interfere.
``I'd advised the president, he asked good questions, and he said he would back me up,'' she testified.
``I would do anything to change what happened,'' she added. ``It was the hardest decision of my life. It will live with me the rest of my life. I'm accountable for it.''
by CNB