Statement of Attorney General John Ashcroft Regarding the Arrest of Eric Robert Rudolph

Attorney General John Ashcroft released the following statement regarding the capture of Eric Robert Rudolph, one of the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives. Rudolph is charged with bombing attacks that killed 2 people and injured more than 150 others:

"Today, Eric Robert Rudolph, the most notorious American fugitive on the FBI's 'Most Wanted' list has been captured and will face American justice. American law enforcement's unyielding efforts to capture Eric Robert Rudolph have been rewarded. Working with law enforcement nationwide, the FBI always gets their man. This sends a clear message that we will never cease in our efforts to hunt down all terrorists, foreign or domestic, and stop them from harming the innocent.

"I want to especially congratulate the local authorities in Murphy, North Carolina, who with the FBI and other local and state law enforcement throughout the country were able to apprehend this suspect. While it has been a long struggle, they never stopped, never yielded and never gave up. The American people, most importantly the victims of these terrorist attacks, can rest easier knowing that another alleged killer is no longer a threat."

Eric Robert Rudolph is charged in connection with the bombing of a health clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, in which a police officer was killed and a nurse critically wounded. He is also charged in connection with the fatal bombings at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the double bombings at the Sandy Springs Professional Office Building north of Atlanta, and the double bombings at the Otherside Lounge in midtown Atlanta. These bomb blasts injured more than 150 people.

Media Note: FBI Special Agent in Charge Chris Swecker along with local law enforcement authorities will provide further details at a noon press conference at the Murphy, North Carolina courthouse.