◆ SpookStack

{ On April 5, 1995, after reviewing the Departmenc of Justice's performance at. Ruby Ridge, the Deputy Attorney General determined that the threat posed by Randy Weaver was exaggerated. ~She also determined that repetition of those exaggerations to the FBI led to a higher threat assessment than otherwise might have been made. It is important to understand, however, that, in August, 1992, the FBI acted upon information that had been provided by other law enforcement agencies. Based upon that information, the FBI believed that it was facing a very grave threat in Idaho -- a threat that required a prompt response. Now, with all of the benefits of hindsight, the FBI's response clearly was an overreaction. In future situations, I will make a more independent assessment of such threats before the FBI acts. Rules of Engagement and The Death of Vicki Weaver The Death of Vicki Weaver As I have stated many times before, Vicki Weaver's death was tragic but accidental. I fully appreciate the fact that three children have been left without their mother as a result of what occurred at Ruby Ridge. On behalf of the FBI, I wish to express my regret and sorrow for Mrs. Weaver's death. Moreover, the FBI fully supports the settlement with the Weaver family that the Department of Justice negotiated. For the FBI, the settlement does not bring any sense of closure to the stark tragedy of Vicki Weaver's death. Rather, her death will always be a haunting reminder to the FBI to take every possible step to avoid tragedy, even in the most dangerous situations.