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STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO
"Since last weekend, I have been working to identify a qualified and respected individual outside of the Department of Justice to head a review into the events at Waco to ensure that the American public has confidence and faith in whatever that investigation reveals. "I have been eager to identify the appropriate outside investigator and I hope to name that person shortly. It has taken some time because I want to do it the right way. I want to ensure that any individual has no conflicts, would be well received, and has the time to handle the task in an appropriate manner. That is a lot to ask of any individual, and it is appropriate to let any individual have the time to think it over.
"On Wednesday, I learned that additional materials had turned up in the FBI facilities in Quantico. Those materials included the tapes that the Justice Department and the FBI released, or will release to the public.
"Upon learning of the existence of the materials, senior officials here at Justice -- with the concurrence of the FBI -- directed the Marshals to pick up the materials from the FBI, where they had been transferred earlier this week.
"I agreed with the decision because I understand that is consistent with the order of the District Court in Texas indicating the Marshal is responsible for securing and transferring evidence to the clerk of the court in the Western District of Texas.
"Over the past two weeks, I along with many Americans, have been troubled -- very troubled -- over what has transpired.
"Director Freeh and I are dedicated to finding the truth in this matter. We have been in almost daily telephone contact as we seek to establish a process that will get to the truth. And that is what we are going to do."
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