Department of Justice internal investigation on Ruby Ridge (Large, 1.1M) The following report is the result of an internal investigation by the Department of Justice into FBI's actions at Ruby Ridge, Idaho in August 1992. The end result of their actions are a dead U.S. Marshall and Vicki and Sammy Weaver killed. Garrity or GJ refers to text deleted under a 1967 Supreme Court ruling (Garrity v. New Jersey) which grants government employees immunity from prosecution in exchange for cooperating with an administrative investigation. Jeff Chan __ TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION A. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 B. Significant Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 C. Significant Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 II.ORIGINS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED 9 III. FACTUAL SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..13 A. The U. S. Marshals Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 B. Federal Bureau of Investigation - Deployment of Hostage Rescue Team 16 C. Rules of Engagement and the Death of Vicki Weaver on August 22 16 D. The Prosecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 A. Investigation of Weaver by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms 21 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 2. Statement of Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 a. Early Law Enforcement Contact With Randy Weaver . 21 b. BATF Contact with Weaver . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 c. Sale of Weapons by Weaver to BATF Informant . . . 26 d. Delay in Obtaining Indictment and BATF Efforts to Enlist Weaver as an Informant . . 29 e. Arrest and Arraignment of Weaver on Weapons Charge 31 3. Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 a. The Decision of BATF to Target Weaver . . . . . . 32 b. Possible Entrapment by the BATF Informant . . . . 33 c. Delay in Obtaining indictment . . . . . . . . . .35 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 B. The Failure of Weaver to Appear for Trial . . . . . . . 36 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 2. Statement of Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 a. January 18, 1991 Arraignment . . . . . . . . . . .36 b. Events Occurring From the Arraignment Through February 20,1991 38 (1) Communication With Weaver . . . . . . 38 (2) The "Queen of Babylon" Letters and the Threat Assessment by the U.S. Marshals Service 40 c. February 20, 1991 -- The Rescheduled Trial Date. . .44 d. Discovery of the Richins Letter and the Response of the Government 46 e. Decision to Present and Indictment to the Grand Jury 53 f. March 14, 1991 Indictment for Failure to Appear 55 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 a. Government Knowledge of Erroneous Richins Letter Prior to February 20, 1991 57 b. Appropriateness of Governmental Response to the Richins Letter 57 c. Propriety of Seeking an Indictment on March 14, 1991 60 d. [G.J.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 4. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 C. Efforts by the Marshals Service to Effect the Arrest of Weaver 64 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 2. Statement of Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 a. Involvement of the Marshals Service Special Operations Group 64 b. SOG Reconnaissance and Recommendations . . . . .66 c. Additional Contacts With Intermediaries . . . . .70 d. Exchange of Surrender Teams . . . . . . . . . . .71 e. Post-Negotiation Investigation . . . . . . . . . 73 f. Briefing of the Marshals Service Director . . . .76 g. Development of Three Phase Operational Plan . . .77 (1) Phase I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 (2) Phase II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 (3) Transition to Phase III . . . . . . . . . . .81 h. Delay in Implementing the Undercover Operation ..83 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 a. The Initial Response of the Marshals Service to Weaver's Failure to Appear 83 b. Consideration by Marshals Service of Alternatives to Secure the Arrest of Weaver 85 c. Pressure Exerted on Marshals Service to Arrest Weaver 88 (1) The Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 (2) The Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 (3) The U. S. Attorney's Office . . . . . . . . 91 d. Impact of Delay Pending Hudson Confirmation . . .94 4. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 D. Marshals Service Activities Between August 17 and August 21, 1992 96 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 2. Statement of Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 a. Preparation for Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . 96 b. Trip of August 21, 1992 to Weaver Property. . . 99 c. Shooting at the Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 (1) Account of Cooper and Roderick . . . . . . 109 (2) The OP Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 (3) Account of Weaver and Harris. . . . . . . . 113 d. Events Following the Gunfire. . . . . . . . . . 115 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 a. Alleged Intent of the Marshals to Force a Confrontation with the Weavers 117 (1) The .9 mm Weapon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 (2) "Zeroing" the Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . 120 (3) Presence of a Medic on the Surveillance Team 120 (4) Tossing the Rocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 (5) The Trip to the Lower Garden . . . . . . . .122 b. The Initiation of Gunfire At the Y . . . . . . .122 (1) Witness Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 (2) Physical Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 (3) The First Shot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 c. The Shooting of Sammy Weaver . . . . . . . . . .125 d. Allegation the Marshals Attempted to Cover up the Shooting of Sammy Weaver 126 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 E. Activation of FBI Hostage Rescue Team and SWAT Teams on August 21, 1992 and Initial Intelligence Gathering 128 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 2. Statement of Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 a. The Marshals' Report of the Shooting. . . . . . 128 b. Decision to Deploy the HRT. . . . . . . . . . . 132 c. Initial Intelligence Gathering and Rescue of the Marshals 138 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 a. The Marshals' Report of the Shooting . . . . . .148 b. Decision to Deploy the HRT. . . . . . . . . . . 150 c. Initial Intelligence Gathering . . . . . . . . .151 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 F. FBI's Rules of Engagement and Operations on August 21 and August 22, 1992 155 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 a. The Formulation of Rules of Engagement En Route to Idaho on August 21, 1992 156 b. Formulation of the Rules of Engagement and Operations Plan on August 22 163 c. Interpretation of Rules of Engagement by Law Enforcement Personnel 173 d. Deployment of FBI, HRT, SWAT, and U.S. Marshals Services SOG Personnel at Ruby Ridge 184 e. Use of the Helicopter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 f. Placement of HRT Sniper/Observers in Area Surrounding the Weaver Cabin 188 g. Circumstances Involving the Two Rifle Shots Taken by HRT member Lon Horiuchi 189 (1) The First Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 (2) The Second Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 h. Initial Surrender Announcement . . . . . . . . .199 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 a. FBI Rules of Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 (1) Factors Considered in the Formulation of the Rules of Engagement 200 (2) Approval of the Rules of Engagement. . . . .201 (3) The FBI Standard Policy on the Use of Deadly Force and the Constitutionality of the Rules of Engagement 205 b. Initial Deployment of Law Enforcement Personnel to Ruby Ridge 209 c. The HRT Rifle Shots Fired on August 22, 1992 . .211 (1) The Applicable Standard for Review. . . . . 211 (2) The First Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214 (3) The Second Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 (4) Use of the Helicopter to Draw Subjects out of Cabin 225 (5) Surrender Announcement . . . . . . . . .. . 226 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228 G. FBI Internal Review of HRT Shots Taken on August 22, 1992 229 [OMITTED] 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .229 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . .229 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .232 H. Law Enforcement Operations at Ruby Ridge From August 22,1992 Until August 31, 1992 233 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 a. Removal of Law Enforcement Personnel From the Mountain Following Horiuchi's Shots 233 b. Command and Control Structure. . . . . . . . . .234 c. Tactical Operations and Discovery of Sammy Weaver's Body 238 d. Change from Rules of Engagement to the FBI Standard Deadly Force Policy 240 e. Evidence of Vicki Weaver's Death. . . . . . . . 242 f. Initial Steps Toward Negotiation. . . . . . . . 244 g. Continuing Efforts of the FBI Hostage Negotiators 246 h. Efforts of Nongovernmental Negotiations . . . . 248 i. Decisions to Send Howen to Ruby Ridge. . . . . .252 j. Howen's Activities at Ruby Ridge. . . . . . . . 253 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 a. FBI Decision to Remove Law Enforcement Personnel From the Mountain on Saturday Night 258 b. Effectiveness of FBI Control and Command of the Crisis Site 260 c. FBI Attempts to Resolve the Crisis . . . . . . .261 (1) Factors Hindering Negotiations. . . . . . . 261 (2) Balance of Tactical and Negotiation Strategies 263 d. Evidence of Vicki Weaver's Death. . . . . . . . 266 e. Howen's Activities at Ruby Ridge. . . . . . . . 267 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 I. FBI Crime Scene Investigation. . . . . . . . . . . . .269 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 a. Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 b. Method of Searching the Y Crime Scene. . . . . .271 (1) Triangulation Not Utilized. . . . . . . . . 274 (2) The "Magic" Bullet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 c. Investigation by the FBI's Shooting Incident Review Team 276 d. Searches of the Cabin and Surrounding Area. . . 277 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280 a. Techniques Employed to Locate Evidence. . . . . 280 b. Techniques Used to Record the Location of Evidence 281 c. The "Magic Bullet" and Allegations of Staged Evidence 282 d. Erroneous FBI Diagram of Sniper/Observer Position 283 e. Erroneous Diagram of the Y. . . . . . . . . . . 283 f. Jackie Brown and Cabin Clean Up. . . . . . . . .283 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286 J. The FBI Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286 a. FBI Laboratory Processing Procedure. . . . . . .286 b. Timeliness and Neglected Tests. . . . . . . . . 287 (1) Degan's Backpack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 (2) Blood and Hair Examinations. . . . . . . . .289 c. Refusal to Perform Tests and Hiring of Independent Experts 292 (1) Refusal to Conduct Test. . . . . . . . . . .292 (2) Shooting Reconstruction. . . . . . . . . . .292 (3) Wound Ballistics and Metal Detection . . . .294 (4) Acoustic Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 d. Failure to Comply with Discovery. . . . . . . . 295 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296 a. Problems with Delays in Test Results. . . . . . 296 b. Failure to Provide Expertise and the Hiring of Independent Experts 299 c. Discovery Demand for Test Firings and Laboratory Notes 300 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 K. The Preliminary Hearings of Weaver and Harris. . . . .301 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301 2. Statement of Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 a. Arrest and Initial Processing of Weaver and Harris 302 b. September 10-11, 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 c. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 (1) [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 (2) Beginning of the Harris Preliminary Hearing.309 d. September 16, 1992. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 (1) [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 (2) Harris Preliminary Hearing. . . . . . . . . 312 (3) Weaver Preliminary Hearing. . . . . . . . . 315 e. September 17, 1992. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 f. Subsequent Defense Challenges. . . . . . . . . .317 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324 L. Scope of the Indictment and Alleged Prosecutorial Misconduct Before the Grand Jury 325 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .325 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326 a. Scope of the Indictment: The Conspiracy Count. .326 b. Evidential Support for Certain Overt Acts and Substantive Offenses 331 c. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 d. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337 e. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 f. Decision to Seek the Death Penalty. . . . . . . 356 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .359 a. Scope of the Indictment: The Conspiracy Count. .359 b. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366 c. [G.J.]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373 d. Decision to Seek the Death Penalty. . . . . . . 375 4. Conclusion 377 M. Alleged Problems with the FBI's Participation and Cooperation in the Discovery Process 378 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .378 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379 a. Defining the Scope of Discovery. . . . . . . . . .379 b. The FBI Response to Discovery Demands. . . . . . .381 c. Attempts to Resolve the Discovery Disputes. . . . 385 (1) Documents at Issue. . . . . . . . . . .385 (2) Negotiations Among the Parties. . . . 388 d. The Defense Subpoena Deuces Tecum For the Shooting Incident Report 394 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402 a. FBI Resistance to USAO Discovery Requests. . . .402 b. Problems With Producing the Complete Shooting Incident Report and Supporting Materials 407 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .413 N. Alleged Problems With the Participation of the FBI in Case Preparation and Its Relationship With Other Members of the Trial Preparation Team 415 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415 a. Defining the Structure of the Trial Team and the Role and Responsibilities of the Individual Members 415 (1) The Lead Agency Concept and the Initial Disagreement Regarding the Interviewing of Witnesses in Iowa 415 (2) The Decision to Assign Members of the Marshals Service and BATF to Assist in Case Preparation 420 (3) The First Team Meeting. . . . . . . . 426 b. Specific Problems in Case Preparation Interviews Conducted by the Marshals Service and BATF Agents 427 (1) Interviews Conducted by the Marshals Service and BATF Agents 427 (2) Acoustical Test. . . . . . . . . . . . 433 (3) Cooperation and Trust Among Trial Team Members 434 (i) Historical Problems in the Working Relationship Between the USAO andthe FBI 437 (ii) Problems in the Working Relationship Among Team Members 439 (4) Attempts to Interview FBI Officials at Headquarters 445 3. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .448 a. Decision to Have the Marshals Service and BATF Assist in Case Preparation 448 b. The Iowa Interviews and the Failure to Document the Results 449 c. Acoustical Experiment at Ruby Ridge. . . . . . . .451 d. Attempts to Interview FBI Officials. . . . . . . .453 e. Relationship Among the Investigative Team. . . . .454 4. Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .455 O. Alleged Failure of USAO to Notify the Defense of Brady Material and Other Important Information 456 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .456 2. Statement of Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .456 a. Defense Subpoenas for FBI and Marshals Service Manuals and Personnel Files 456 b. Financial Compensation of Informant Fadeley . . 466 c. Late Production of the Calley Notes . . . . . . 473 d. Neal Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .477 e. The L-1 Bullet and L Bullet Photographs . . . . 482 f. The Late Production of the Shooting Incident Report and Supporting Materials and the October 26, 1993 Court Order 488 3. Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491 a. Response of the Government to the Defense Subpoenas for FBI and Marshals Service Manuals and Personnel Files 456 b. Failure to Disclose Financial Compensation Arrangement with Informant Fadeley c. Late Production of the Calley Notes . . . . . . 473 d. Late Disclosure of the Neal Interview. . . . . .477 e. The L Bullet Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . .482 4. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503 V. RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 VI. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509 VII. IDENTIFICATION OF PARTICIPANTS . . . . . . . . . . . .528 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REPORT ON INTERNAL REVIEW REGARDING THE RUBY RIDGE HOSTAGE SITUATION AND SHOOTINGS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Overview In February 1993, the Office of Professional Responsibility ("OPR") of the U.S. Department of Justice (the "Department") was informed of allegations made by defense counsel for Randall ("Randy") Weaver and Kevin Harris in the criminal case of United States v. Weaver which was pending in the federal district court in Idaho. Defense counsel alleged that employees of several components of the Department had engaged in criminal and professional misconduct during the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris. The Department decided to defer action on this matter until the criminal trial was completed. In July 1993, a jury acquitted Weaver and Harris of charges stemming from the murder of a federal officer. Following the acquittal, numerous additional allegations wereraised by defense counsel an other sources against the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ("BATF"), the U.S. Marshals Service ("Marshals Service") , the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI" or "Bureau") and the U.S> Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho ("USAO"). Included among these allegations were claims that Department employees had unlawfully caused the deaths of Sammy and Vicki Weaver, had taken actions that had obstructed justice, had committed perjury and had engaged in other criminal and ethical misconduct. In late July 1993, attorneys from OPR and the Criminal Division of the Department, assisted by inspectors form the FBI, began an investigation of these allegations. This report details the results of this investigation and traces chronologically the events that occurred in the Weaver matter. The early sections of the report focus on Weaver's sale of illegal firearms to a BATF informant, BATF's unsuccessful attempt to enlist Weaver as an informant, the subsequent governmental delay in seeking an indictment on the firearms violations, and Weaver's arrest on weapons charges followed by his subsequent failure to appear for trial on those charges. Another area of investigative inquiry focuses on the efforts of the Marshals Service to apprehend Weaver. These efforts culminated in the August 21, 1992 gun battle at Ruby Ridge which took the lives of Deputy Marshal William Degan and Weaver's son, Sammy Weaver. Next, the report contains a discussion of the involvement of the FBI in the Weaver matter, including its initial intervention in the crisis, its responsibility for the death of Vicki Weaver and wounding of Kevin Harris on August 22, 1992, its handling of the crisis including its attempts to end the week-long standoff, its handling of the crime scene searches and its subsequent activities in assisting the USAO in preparing the Weaver case for trial. Finally, the last section of the report addresses the handling by the USAO and the investigative agencies of the prosecution of Weaver and Harris including representation made by the U.S. Attorney to the court prior to the beginning of Harris' preliminary hearing, the conduct of the Assistant U.S. Attorney before the grand jury and the untimely disclosure of critical information to the defense. We found that many of the allegations of misconduct were not supported by the evidence. However, we did find merit in some of the more serious charges. As a result, we have asked that the appropriate component of the Department examine for prosecutive merit the conduct of the FBI sniper/observer who fired the shots on August 22, 1992. In addition, because our investigation indicated that Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Howen took certain questionable actions during the investigation and prosecution of the Weaver case, we have recommended that the Executive Office for United States Attorneys examine our analysis of his conduct and take whatever administrative action it deems appropriate. Finally, we have formulated a series of recommendations that address the problems that we reviewed or uncovered during our investigation. B. Significant Findings In October 1989, Randy Weaver sold illegal weapons to a BATF informant. When BATF agents later attempted to enlist Weaver as an informant in their investigation of the Aryan Nations, Weaver refused to cooperate. Seven months later, the government indicted Weaver for the illegal weapons sales. We have found no evidence to support the claim that BATF targeted Weaver because of his religious or political beliefs. Similarly, we found insufficient evidence to sustain the charge that Weaver was illegally entrapped into selling the weapons. When Weaver was arraigned on the weapons charges in January 1991, he was told that his trial would commence on February 19, 1991. Two weeks later, the court clerk notified the parties that the trial date had been changed to February 20, 1991. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Probation Office sent Weaver a letter which incorrectly referenced his trial date as March 20, 1991. After Weaver failed to appear for trial on February 20, the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Three weeks later, on March 14, a federal grand jury indicted Weaver for his failure to appear for trial. We found that: the government, especially the USAO, was unnecessarily rigid in its approach to the issues created by the erroneous letter; that the USAO improvidently sought an indictment before March 20, 1991; [G.J.] From February 1991 through August 1992, the Marshals Service was involved in efforts to apprehend Weaver to stand trial for the weapons charges and for his failure to appear fortrial. These efforts included gathering information about Weaver and developing a plan to arrest him. Base on information that it collected, the Marshals Service learned that for many years Weaver had made statements about his intent to violently confront federal law enforcement officials. As a result, the Marshals Service concluded that Weaver intended to resist violently governmental attempts to arrest him. Thereafter, the Marshals Service investigated and carefully considered alternatives that would enable it to arrest Weaver without endangering his family or law enforcement personnel. It concluded that an undercover operation would be the most prudent way to proceed. In August 1992, six marshals travelled to an area in northern Idaho known as Ruby Ridge to conduct surveillance of the Weaver residence in preparation for the undercover operation. During the surveillance mission, the Weaver dog discovered the marshals and began to bark. The marshals retreated with the dog, Harris, Randy Weaver and his son, Sammy Weaver, and other family members in pursuit. At an area known as the "Y," a gun battle occurred in which Deputy Marshal Degan and Sammy Weaver were killed. We conclude that the marshals took a measured approach in developing a plan to apprehend Weaver. Throughout the 18 month period that the marshals were responsible for apprehending Weaver, they carefully devised a plan intended to pose the least amount of risk to Weaver, his family, and the marshals. At no time did we find that it was the intent of the marshals to force a confrontation with Weaver or his family. Although some may question the expenditures of manpower and resources by the Marshals Service during this 18 month period, we believe that institutional pressure created by the existence of a bench warrant and an indictment, left the Marshals Service with little choice but to proceed as it did. Moreover, the USAO did little to assist the Marshals Service in this matter. Indeed, during the first part of this process the USAO thwarted the efforts of the Director of the Marshals Service to focus the court on the danger involved in making the arrest and incorrectly terminated efforts by the Marshals Service to negotiate with Weaver through intermediaries. With regard to the responsibility for the deaths that occurred at the Y, the marshals assert that Harris initiated the fire fight when he shot Deputy Marsha Degan while Weaver and Harris claim that the marshals fired the first shots. After a thorough review of all of the evidence made available to us, we have been unable to determine conclusively who fired the first shot during the exchange of gunfire. Although there is evidence that one of the marshals shot Sammy Weaver during the exchange of gunfire, we found no proof that the shooting of the boy was anything other than an accident. In fact, the evidence indicates that the marshals did not know that Sammy Weaver had been killed or wounded until his body was discovered by the FBI in a shed outside the Weaver cabin two days later. Nor did wediscover any evidence indicating that the marshals attempted to cover up their roles in the incident or that they exaggerated the events to cause a more drastic FBI response than was appropriate. Soon after learning of the August 21 incident at Ruby Ridge, the FBI officials in Washington, D.C. evaluated the information made available to them and decided to deploy its Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT") to Idaho to deal with the crisis. HRT members assumed their position around the Weaver compound late in the afternoon of August 22, 1992 but before doing so they were instructed that their conduct was to be governed by specially formulated Rules of Engagement ("Rules"). These Rules instructed the HRT snipers that before a surrender announcement was made they could and should shoot all armed adult males appearing outside the cabin. Operating under these Rules on August 22, an FBI sniper/observer fired two shots in quick succession. The first shot was at an armed adult male whom he believed was bout to fire at a HRT helicopter on an observation mission. The first shot wounded Randy Weaver while in front of a building at the Weaver compound known as the birthing shed. The second shot was fired at Harris while Harris was retreating into the Weaver cabin. The second shot seriously wounded Harris and killed Vicki Weaver who was behind the cabin door. Following this shooting incident FBI officials spent the next eight days attempting to convince Weaver and Harris to surrender to federal authorities. Finally, due largely to the efforts of nongovernmental negotiators, Harris and Weaver surrendered on August 30 and August 31 respectively. Thereafter, the FBI completed its searches of the cabin and surrounding areas. During the following month, the FBI also conducted an internal review of the shooting incident to determine if the sniper had responded appropriately. Our review found numerous problems with the conduct of the FBI at Ruby Ridge. Although we concluded that the decision to deploy the HRT to Ruby Ridge was appropriate and consistent with Department policy, we do not believe that the FBI's initial attempts at intelligence gathering at the scene were sufficiently thorough. We also found serious problems with the terms of the Rules of Engagement in force at Ruby Ridge. Certain portions of these Rules not only departed from the FBI's standard deadly force policy but also contravened the Constitution of the United States. In addition, we found these Rules to be imprecise and believe that they may have created an atmosphere that encouraged the use of deadly force thereby having the effect of contributing to an unintentional death. With regard to the two shots fired on August 22, we concluded that the first shot met the standard of "objective reasonableness" the Constitution requires for the legal use of deadly force but that the second shot did not satisfy that standard. It is our conclusion that the sniper/observer who took the second shot intended to shoot Kevin Harris but accidentally killed Vicki Weaver whom he did not see behind the curtained door. We also found the internal FBI review of the shooting incident has not been sufficiently thorough and reached incorrect conclusions about the second shot. Our examination of the command and control of the crisis by the FBI, found numerous shortcomings. These shortcomings included initial inadequacies in utilizing negotiating personnel, communicating with FBI Headquarters, documenting decisions and securing the site. During and after the crisis, the crime scenes were searched by many law enforcement officials under the direct supervision of the FBI. We found the FBI's handling of the crime scene searches to be inadequate including its failure to use basic crime scene techniques in collecting evidence. Furthermore, the general disorganization and inexperience of some of the participants coupled with inaccuracies in the searches adversely affected the prosecution and contributed to the negative impression of the government generated during the trial. We found no evidence that these deficiencies were intentional or that the FBI staged evidence for the prosecution's benefit. Shortly after their arrest, separate preliminary hearings were held for Weaver and Harris. While arguing the government's motion requesting a continuance of the Harris preliminary hearing, U.S. Attorney Ellsworth made statements indicating that the government would allow Harris to have a complete preliminary hearing in return or consenting to the continuance. Thereafter, Harris consented to the continuance with the understanding that he would have a full preliminary hearing. An indictment was returned against Harris while his preliminary hearing was in progress. We have found that the U.S. Attorney did not intentionally misrepresent the government's position but that he failed to appreciate the impact of his statements and that he neglected to pay sufficient attention to the information that the received concerning the probably length of the preliminary hearing. After the first indictments were returned against Weaver and Harris, the Assistant U.S. Attorney continued to present evidence to the grand jury which led to the return of two superseding indictments, each containing a conspiracy count. We found these conspiracy counts to be overly broad and to contain some overt acts for which there was insufficient evidence. [G.J.] Later the USAO decided to seek the death penalty against Weaver and Harris even though the applicable federal appellate court had held that the offense charged could not constitutionally support the imposition of a death sentence. We have concluded that the decision to seek the death penalty, although made in good faith, gave the appearance that the government was overreaching. From the moment that the USAO began to prepare the case for trial, it met with resistance from the FBI. This resistance took many forms, all of which served to make preparation of the case more difficult. The FBI continuously opposed actions of the prosecutors requested to prepare the case for trial, ranging from having the case agents conduct out-of state interviews to enlisting agents from other agencies to help prepare the case. The FBI, which wanted to be the only agency or, at a minimum, the lead agency on the case, resisted working as a coequal member of the prosecution team. Furthermore, when the USAO sought advice and assistance from the FBI Laboratory they met with unjustified delays and resistance that created discord within the team and disrupted trial preparation. These problems contributed to the USAO's decision to retain private forensic experts. In addition, the FBI unjustifiably delayed producing materials to the USAO that were needed for trial preparation and that were clearly discoverable under federal law and the discovery stipulation signed by the parties. This action unreasonably delayed the availability of these materials for trial preparation and for discovery. Particularly at the headquarters level, we found that the FBI's efforts to locate and produce discoverable documents to be disorganized and incomplete. The late production during trial of materials associated with the FBI Shooting Incident Report negatively affected the court's and the jury's perception of the government and the government's case. In addition, the delays in discovery caused by the disorganization of and mistakes committed by the FBI Laboratory contributed to the delay of the trial and to the perception that the government was uncooperative and not being totally forthcoming. However, the FBI was not alone in failing to make timely disclosure of critical information to the defense. The USAO was also responsible for not promptly revealing certain important information to the defense. Although in some instances we found these tardy disclosures to be unjustified or negligent, we do not believe that they were improperly motivated or taken intentionally to obstruct the Weaver trial. C. Significant Recommendations As the result of our investigation, we have made seven broad recommendations. First, we recommend that all federal law enforcement officers be governed by a standard deadly force policy and that the Department of Justice be responsible for developing such a policy. in addition to specifying clearly the circumstances in which deadly force may be used, the policy should define the occasions in which special Rules of Engagement may be implemented and the process by which such rules should be approved. Second, we recommend that a crisis response team, including specially trained crisis managers, be available to respond to crises. In addition, we endorse the proposal to include specially trained prosecutors to provide legal support to tactical teams when needed. We also propose periodic joint training exercises by the various federal and local law enforcement agencies which are responsible for responding to crisis situation. Third, we recommend that a panel comprised of representatives from federal law enforcement agencies, including an attorney form the Department of Justice, be created to examine the internal reviews that law enforcement agencies conduct after shooting incidents occur. This examination would focus on the thoroughness and prosecutive merit of the internal review. Fourth, we recommend that FBI field offices that do not have a team in place to recover evidence after major hostage/barricade crises like Ruby Ridge request the assistance of the Evidence Response Team at FBI Headquarters. We further recommend that procedures be adopted to improve the coordination between the FBI Laboratory and the federal prosecutors and that and examination be done of the FBI procedures regarding the memorializing of interviews. Sixth, we recommend that all U.S. Attorneys' Offices institute a review process for indictments, at least for significant cases. Finally, we recommend that our findings concerning the events surrounding the shooting of Vicki Weaver on August 22, 1992 be referred to the appropriate component of the Department of Justice to assess prosecutive merit. In addition, we recommend that our analysis of the conduct of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Howen be referred to the Executive Office for United States Attorneys for whatever administrative action it deems appropriate. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. ORIGINS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED In February 1993, the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice (the "Department") informed the Office of Professional Responsibility ("OPR") of allegations of professional misconduct and criminal wrongdoing by agents of the U.S. Marshals Service ("Marshals Service"), the Federal Bureau of Investigations ("FBI"), the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho ("USAO"), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ("BATF"), stemming from their involvement in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris. Because Weaver and Harris were awaiting trial, OPR in conformity with its normal policy of avoiding interfering with the criminal process, postponed its inquiry until the litigation had concluded. Following the jury verdict in July 1993, OPR began its inquiry. OPR was aware of numerous allegations of impropriety, some of which had been raised in defense pleadings and many others that arose during and immediately after trial. Allegations by various people and groups -- the media, the trial court, the United States Attorney's Office, the FBI, and U.S. Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, as well as the public -- suggested the personnel of the United States government had engaged in willful misconduct, including obstruction of justice, perjury , and other criminal and ethical violations. As a result, it became apparent that the scope of inquiry needed to be broader than merely issues that had been raised at trial by the defense. Attorney General Janet Reno announced that the inquiry would include a complete and thorough review of the Weaver case from its inception to the conclusion of the criminal trial. OPR was to conduct this inquiry with investigative support from the FBI. On July 26, 1993, Michael E. Shaheen, Jr., Counsel in the Office of Professional Responsibility detailed the role of OPR and the FBI in the inquiry in a letter to David G. Binney, Assistant Director of the FBI's Inspection Division. Concerns had been raised about the FBI's ability to be objective and to investigate alleged misconduct by its own agents. Some who had participated in the Weaver investigation and prosecution and had experienced a decided lack of harmony in their working relationship with the FBI, opposed the Bureau's involvement in the investigation. However, OPR's experience with the FBI in investigations in which the FBI was the subject -- including an investigation of its own Director -- demonstrated that the Bureau could be objective under OPR's supervision. Furthermore, the broad scope of the Weaver inquiry and the need for FBI expertise suggested that the Bureau be included in the inquiry. From the beginning of the investigation OPR attorneys established that they would control the investigation, analyze the information gathered, and make finding and recommendations. The FBI's role was limited to assisting in gathering facts and conducting interviews. The FBI was not to make findings, conclusions, or recommendations. Due to the expansive scope of the inquiry, former Deputy Attorney General Philip Heymann assigned four attorneys from the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to assist OPR. It was decided that the review would cover: the conduct of the Marshals Service in its investigation of Randy Weaver from its inception to the conclusion of the trial; the actions of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT") during the siege of the Weaver residence; the handling of evidence by the FBI Laboratory and its effect on the Weaver trial; and the conduct of the U.S. Attorney's Office in investigating and prosecuting the Weaver case. OPR contacted the Department of Treasury ("DOT"), which had also received complaints about BATF's conduct and agreed that its Inspector General's Office would investigate that matter. However, it was understood that OPR would address those elements of the BATF investigation that affected the Weaver case and involved Department of Justice employees. To that end, OPR invited DOT to participate in interviews relevant to its investigation and to review material -- other than grand jury testimony -- that would assist its inquiry. Although DOT is preparing a report of its investigation, this report discusses issues involving BATF that affected the Weaver matter. The FBI initially assigned 15 Inspectors and two administrative support personnel to the Ruby Ridge Inspection Team to work with the five DOJ attorneys. During the first phase of the inquiry, the team developed an investigative focus, established a management system, and attempted to identify, through research and selected interviews, the issues to be addressed. By August 1993, the team had determined the background interviews that needed to be conducted and had identified documents that needed to be reviewed, including case files and supporting materials form the Marshals Service, the USAO, and the FBI. Initially, the investigators used a research system consistent with a typical FBI investigation. However, they soon realized that a thorough review of the Weaver matter would benefit from the support of the FBI's Rapid Start team of the Information Resources Division of FBI Headquarters. Rapid Start is a mobile group of FBI employees who provide information management services to major cases. The Rapid Start team developed an automated case management system to assist the investigators in capturing, storing and retrieving information. The team also assisted the investigation in tracking leads and with document control. As Phase I of the investigation entered its final stages, it became apparent that the volume of material to be reviewed and the broad scope of the inquiry would require more personnel and time than had originally been contemplated. A decision was made to increase the size of the investigative team. Thus, when Phase II of the investigation began on September 21, 1993, the Ruby Ridge Inspection Team was doubled in size to include two full-time Inspectors, 26 Assistant Inspectors, and 10 support personnel. Phase II was the investigative phase of the project. The inspectors were divided into the four teams. The first team was responsible for issues involving BATF and the Marshals Service. The second and third teams focused on the FBI role in the case including the FBI Laboratory, the FBI's handling of the crime scene, and the actions of the FBI HRT and its Rules of Engagement. The last team examined the actions of the USAO throughout its involvement in the Weaver matter. Each team was comprised of a DOJ Attorney, an inspection team leader, and five or six inspectors. The inspectors were encouraged to coordinate their inquiry with the DOJ attorney. Many interviews involved witnesses who had knowledge of issues being investigated by more than one team. In those instances, inspectors from the other teams either attended the interview, scheduled separate interviews, or submitted preliminary questions to determine whether an additional interview was necessary. The FBI inspectors and DOJ attorneys conducted over 370 interviews of persons involved in the Ruby Ridge incident, including personnel of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the USAO, the Department of Justice, as well as members of the federal judiciary and nongovernmental witnesses.[FN1] The interviews were conducted throughout the United States and, in some instances, supplemental interviews were conducted for clarification. Although the majority of the interviews were conducted by FBI inspectors, virtually all significant interviews were conducted jointly by FBI inspectors and DOJ attorneys. In addition, thousands of pages of records and files were reviewed. Before the interview process began, DOJ and FBI personnel developed a witness notification form describing the scope and purpose of the inquiry. Each witness executed this form before being interviewed. In addition, witnesses were asked to execute waiver forms before statements were taken. In some instances, interviewees were represented by counsel or declined to volunteer information, instead relying on earlier sworn testimony or statements. On November 8, 1993, then Deputy Attorney General Philip Heymann responded to renewed objections to the investigative role of the FBI in the inquiry. Heymann received the assurance of the attorneys in charge of the inquiry that they could accommodate interviewees who requested interviews outside the presence of the FBI. The attorneys assured these interviewees that the FBI was assisting them in gathering facts but that the final report and its conclusion and recommendations would originate from the DOJ attorneys. However, these interviewees were advised that a record of their interviews would be given to the FBI to assist its inquiry. In addition, we cautioned all those interviewed that the Attorney General might release a version of our final report to the public and, therefore, we could not assure their confidentiality. On January 19, 1994, the FBI investigators submitted their report of factual finding to the DOJ attorneys. Following the receipt of the FBI report, the DOJ attorneys completed their review of all pertinent materials and wrote a report analyzing the many allegations. The original team of lawyers was assisted by two attorneys from the Criminal Division who provided additional research and analysis. In addition, another OPR attorney assisted in the final stages of the preparation of this report. This report was structured to be read in its entirety or in isolated sections. The Factual Summary, Chronology, and the Identification of Participants sections are intended to provide a general overview of significant events, which will assist the reader in understanding the detailed discussions that follow. Specific topics are generally arranged in chronological order and contain detailed discussions of the relevant facts, the issues raised and the finding made. Finally, we conclude with a section which sets forth recommendations, most of which are designed to anticipate and avoid the kinds of problems subject to this inquiry. An Appendix accompanies this report, but because of the volume of source material used in this inquiry, it includes only the most significant documents. FOOTNOTES FOR SECTION II. ORIGINS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED 1. The following groups of people were interviewed: 52 FBI HRT members, 60 Marshalls Service Special Operations Group personnel, 41 FBI Special Weapons and Tactics Team members, three BATF agents, eight Marshal Service management personnel, 15 Marshals Service personnel directly involved in the Ruby Ridge crisis, ten FBI Headquarters personnel, four FBI negotiators, 43 Idaho State Police members, 26 members of other agencies, 31 FBI field office personnel, 17 FBI Laboratory personnel, and 30 other persons involved with the prosecution, including personnel from the U.S. Probation Office and the U.S. Attorney's office. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. FACTUAL SUMMARY A. THE U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE In January 1985, the U.S. Secret Service investigated allegations that Randy Weaver had made threats against the President and other government and law enforcement officials. The Secret Service was told that Weaver was associated with the Aryan Nations, a white supremacist group, and that he had a large cache of weapons and ammunition. Weaver had spoken of the world's ending in two years "when [his] home will be under siege and assaulted." Secret Service agents interviewed Weaver, who denied the allegations. No charges were filed. In February 1985, Weaver and his wife, Vicki, filed an affidavit with the county clerk, giving "legal and official notice that [he] believe[d] [he] may have to defend [him]self and [his] family from physical attack on [his] life" by the FBI. Weaver came to the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ("BATF") in July 1986, when a BATF informant was introduced to him at a World Aryan Congress. The informant met Weaver several times over the next three years. In July 1989, Weaver invited the informant to his home to discuss forming a group to fight the "Zionist Organized Government," referring to the U.S. Government. Three months later, Weaver sold the informant two "sawed-off" shotguns. In June 1990, BATF agents approached Weaver to persuade him to become an informant. Weaver refused to become a "snitch," and he was indicted for manufacturing and possessing an unregistered firearm. A warrant was issued for his arrest. BATF concluded that it would be too dangerous for the arresting agents and the Weaver children to arrest Weaver at his mountaintop residence. Instead, in January 1991, BATF agents, posing as stranded motorists, surprised Weaver and his wife when they stopped to offer assistance. Weaver told the arresting agents "nice trick; you'll never do that again." Weaver was arraigned and was released on a personal recognizance bond. A trial date was set for February 19, 1991.Shortly thereafter, Weaver's wife, Vicki, sent the U.S. Attorney's Office two letters addressed to the servants of the Queen of Babylon, which asserted that "[t]he tyrants blood will flow" and "[w]hether we live or whether we die, we will not bow to your evil commandments." A U.S. Probation Officer sent Weaver a letter incorrectly referring to a March 20 trial date. Weaver did not appear for the February trial, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. On March 14, 1991, Weaver was indicted for failure to appear for trial. The matter was referred to the U.S. Marshals Service, which learned that Weaver had attended Aryan World Congresses and that he and his family were constantly armed. Weaver sent a letter to the local sheriff, stating the he would not leave his cabin and that law enforcement officers would have to take him out. The Weavers "felt as though the end [was] near." Weaver was quoted as threatening to shoot law enforcement officers, who came to arrest him. Weaver and his family remained in a cabin, atop an isolated mountain. Between March 1991 and August 1992, the marshals undertook a series of efforts to convince Weaver to surrender. They also made plans to arrest Weaver without harm to law enforcement officers or the Weaver family, particularly the children. The marshals exchanged messages with Weaver through intermediaries, until the U.S. Attorney directed that all communications go through Weaver's appointed counsel (with whom Weaver would not speak). Teams from the Marshals Service Special Operations Group ("SOG") conducted surveillance of the Weavers' mountaintop property to devise methods to take Weaver into custody safely. Surveillance cameras were installed and aerial photographs were taken of the property. The marshals observed that Weaver and his children responded to approaching persons and vehicles by taking armed positions over the driveway leading to the Weaver cabin. During this period, Weaver continued to make statements that he would not surrender peacefully and that his family was prepared to defend him. The Director of the Marshals Service ordered that no action be taken that could endanger the Weaver children. In the Spring of 1992, the marshals developed an undercover plan to arrest Weaver away from his cabin and family. A surveillance team of six marshals went to the mountains on August 21, 1992 to look for places to station cover teams for the operation. Toward the end of the surveillance mission, one of the Weaver's dogs began to chase three of the marshals. Marshals stationed at an observation post saw Kevin Harris, an associate of Randy Weaver, Weaver, his thirteen year old son Sammy, and Weaver's daughters, follow the dog. All were carrying firearms. The marshals retreated. As they approached an intersection of trails known as the "Y," they saw Randy Weaver coming down the trail. They identified themselves and told him to halt, but he turned and ran back up the trail. The dog caught up with Deputy Marshal Cooper. He held the dog at bay with his firearm, but did not shoot for fear of provoking the Weavers. An exchange of gunfire occurred moments later, resulting in the death of Deputy Marshal William Degan, Sammy Weaver, and the dog. According to the marshals, the fire fight began when Degan and Deputy Marshal Cooper rose to identify themselves. Kevin Harris wheeled and fired at Degan with a 30.06 rifle. Cooper returned fire and thought he hit Harris, though he had not. Cooper turned his weapon toward Sammy Weaver, but did not fire. Deputy Marshal Roderick, who was further down the path, heard a shot from his left. Roderick could not see anyone other than Weaver's dog, which was heading in the direction Randy Weaver had gone. When the first shot was fired, the dog turned its head toward the marshals. Roderick feared that the dog would turn and attack him or lead Weaver, Harris, and the others to the marshals. Roderick fired at the dog, killing him. Sammy Weaver then shot at Roderick, and Roderick dove into the woods. Roderick later found a bullet hole through his shirt, though he was not wounded. Cooper heard the shots to his right. He rose and fired a three-round burst to provide cover fire for himself so that he could get to Degan, who called for help. Following the last shots, Cooper saw Sammy Weaver run out of view up the trail to the Weaver cabin. He did not think that he had hit the boy. Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris claimed that they did not know what the dog was chasing, though there is evidence to the contrary. They said that they thought they were pursuing a large animal. They asserted that the first shot fired at the Y was Roderick's attack on the dog, that Sammy fired at Roderick in retaliation, and that Degan and Cooper then shot at Sammy. Harris maintained that the marshals did not identify themselves until the shooting had ended and that he shot Degan to defend Sammy. Soon after the shooting, the three marshals, who had been at the observation post, ran to the Y. They came under fire along the way. One marshal, a medic, treated Degan, without success. Shortly thereafter, the marshals heard a barrage of gunfire, followed by screaming and crying. After a brief time, two marshals left the hill to seek help. The three surviving marshals maintained their positions out of fear that, if they moved, they would be shot at. They also refused to leave without the body of the slain marshal. They did not receive additional fire, though in the hours that followed they heard shots when an airplane flew overhead. B. Federal Bureau of Investigation - Deployment of Hostage Rescue Team As soon as the U.S. Marshals Service received word of Marshal Degan's death and the ongoing situation at Ruby Ridge, they sought and received FBI assistance. The FBI had primary jurisdiction for assaults on federal officers, and its Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT") is seen as uniquely skilled for crises. FBI and Marshals Service Headquarters immediately activated command centers to coordinate communications. Special Agent Eugene Glenn was assigned the command and began to arrange for the personnel and equipment required for the crisis. Concurrently, state and local law enforcement and a few FBI agents who were in the immediate area came to the scene and began securing the area. The rescue of the marshals was delayed until after dark. A team led by the Idaho State Police reached the marshals at approximately 11:30 p.m., more than twelve hours after the shooting. The rescue effort was ongoing when Glenn arrived and deployed FBI SWAT teams to secure the command post's perimeter. He planned to maintain the status quo until the HRT had arrived. Local law enforcement continued to guard the access road as a crowd of sympathizers and onlookers gathered. The marshals were successfully removed from the mountain without additional gun fire. Once rescued, they were examined at a hospital and transported to a command post where they were given food and allowed to rest. FBI agents interviewed the marshals, starting the following afternoon. C. Rules of Engagement and the Death of Vicki Weaver on August 22 While the rescue of the marshals was underway, the HRT advance team was en route to Idaho with the Associate Director of the Marshals Service, who briefed then about Weaver's background, his failure to appear for trial, the underlying weapons charge, and his professed desire to confront the federal government. During the flight, HRT Commander Rogers and FBI Associate Director Potts drafted special Rules of Engagement to address the danger they perceived. When the HRT arrived in Idaho, Rogers briefed them on the situation and the proposed Rules of Engagement. They established a command site, flew reconnaissance missions, and began to make plans to address the crisis. On the afternoon of the shooting, the U.S. Attorney's Office obtained a search warrant and complaints for Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris's arrest on charges relating the the death of Marshal Degan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Howen, who was assigned to the case, went to the site. Howen remained until Weaver and Harris surrendered a week later. Howen took no role in developing the Rules of Engagement or drafting operations plans, but he did participate in crime scene searches, interviews, and negotiations. The Boundary County prosecutor was also present during most of the crisis but was not involved in the operations planning. According to the HRT plan, communication with the occupants of the Weaver cabin, including a surrender demand, was to take place using armored personnel carriers, which would deliver a telephone to the cabin site. The HRT was concerned that the Weavers or sympathizers might be hiding in the woods and planning an ambush. Therefore, teams of HRT sniper/observers were stationed overlooking the cabin before the carrier drove up the hill. Although FBI headquarters had not approved a tactical operations plan, permission was granted to begin negotiations with the Weavers when HRT agents arrived at their positions. At 3:30 p.m. on August 22, HRT sniper/observers, along with members of the Marshals Service SOG, began their ascent to the cabin. Before their departure, they were briefed on the Rules of Engagement, which provided that: 1. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement, deadly force can and should be employed, if the shot can be taken without endangering any children. 2. If any adult in the compound is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement is made, and is not attempting to surrender, deadly force can and should be employed to neutralize the individual. 3. If compromised by any animal, particularly the dogs, that animal should be eliminated. 4. Any subjects other than Randall Weaver, Vicki Weaver, Kevin Harris, presenting threats of death or grievous bodily harm, the FBI rules of deadly force are in effect. Deadly force can be utilized to prevent the death or grievous bodily injury to oneself or that of another. No shots had been fired since the previous day, but, while the HRT members were moving to positions overlooking the cabin, other observers reported to FBI headquarters that the subjects were outside the cabin. FBI Headquarters reminded the field commander that the Rules of Engagement would apply. By 5:45 p.m., the sniper/observers reached their positions. The engines of the personnel carriers at the command post below were audible. An unarmed, young female ran from the cabin to a rocky outcropping and returned to the cabin. Within a minute, an unarmed male was seen on the cabin's back deck. About ten minutes later, a helicopter carrying HRT personnel began an observation mission. When the helicopter's engine was started, the female seen earlier and two males ran from the cabin to the outcropping. The last person to emerge was carrying a rifle. Sniper/observer Horiuchi identified him as Kevin Harris. A few seconds later Horiuchi saw a person he believed to be Harris near an outbuilding known as the "birthing shed." The man appeared to be scanning above and behind the snipers for the helicopter. Horiuchi believed that he was trying to position himself to shoot at the helicopter from the more protected side of the shed. Horiuchi fired one shot as the man suddenly moved along the side of the shed out of sight. When Horiuchi fired, the man's back was toward Horiuchi and the helicopter. Because the man moved unexpectedly, Horiuchi assumed he missed. The man he aimed at was not Harris, but Weaver, who was slightly wounded. Harris and Weaver have maintained that they had no aggressive purpose in leaving the cabin and that Weaver was opening the door to the shed to look at the body of his son. After ten or twenty seconds Horiuchi saw the target of his first shot following the other two people as they ran to the cabin. The first two entered the cabin through an open door. Horiuchi fired, aiming slightly in front of the last running man. The bullet went through the curtained window of the open door, fatally wounding Vicki Weaver and seriously injuring Kevin Harris. The sniper testified that he did not know that Vicki Weaver was standing behind the door. When Commander Rogers, who had been aboard the HRT helicopter, learned of the shootings, he and an FBI negotiator went in a personnel carrier to the cabin to make a surrenderannouncement and to begin negotiations by leaving a telephone. There was no response. A few hours later, due to deterioratingweather conditions, the snipers left their positions and returned to the command post where Rogers debriefed them. The next morning the snipers returned to their positions. Rogers once again went to the cabin area and issued repeated surrender announcements, which included warnings that the outbuildings would be removed if Weaver failed to comply. By Sunday evening, there was still no response or indication that the Weavers were going to surrender or negotiate, so the first outbuilding, the birthing shed, was moved. Sammy Weaver's body was discovered in the birthing shed. Negotiation efforts continued for days, but were unsuccessful. No one from the cabin picked up the telephone, which was on an armed robot outside the cabin. Although the weapon on the robot was not loaded, Weaver reported that he was afraid that anyone who went outside would be shot. Attempts to intercept conversations inside the cabin were not successful. By Wednesday, no aggressive action had occurred for days, and the events which had preceded the confrontation began to seemless clear. The FBI command received evidence in apparent conflict with the initial impressions about Weaver's background and the circumstances surrounding the shootout. As a result, the FBI command decided to withdraw the special Rules of Engagement and to instate the FBI's standard Deadly Force Policy. On Wednesday, August 26, Weaver told a negotiator that he wanted to talk with his sister. When she arrived, attempts to communicate with Weaver were frustrated by her inability to hear Weaver. On Friday evening, August 28, Weaver agreed to speak with Bo Gritz, whom Weaver told that the sniper had killed his wife and injured Harris and himself. Two other private citizens assisted Gritz in resolving the standoff. Gritz and a Weaver family friend carried Vicki Weaver's body out of the cabin. On Sunday, August 30, Kevin Harris surrendered. The Weavers surrendered the following day. Searches of the Y were ongoing during the crisis. After the surrender, the cabin and surrounding area were searched. The FBI also sent a team of inspectors to begin an internal inquiry into the sniper shootings. D. The Prosecution After their surrender, Harris and Weaver were placed under arrest and charged with the murder of Deputy Marshal Deagan. Separate preliminary hearings to determine probable cause for these charges were begun. Before their preliminary hearings concluded, a grand jury indicted Harris for assaulting and murdering Degan and indicted Weaver for aiding and abetting in Degan's death. Thereafter, the magistrate judges terminated the preliminary hearings of Weaver and Harris. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. On October 1, 1992, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Weaver and Harris with numerous offenses including conspiracy.[FN2] On November 19, 1992 a Second Superseding Indictment was returned charging Weaver and Harris with the same offenses as the previous indictment and alleging additional overt acts. In October 1992 the Marshals Service and BATF provided four agents to assist the U.S. Attorney's Office in preparing the case for trial. During the case preparation process continuous issues arose regarding the cooperation of the FBI in preparing the case for trial. Included among these problem areas was the lack of cooperation by the FBI in providing discovery materials to the prosecution and the defense. On January 8, 1993, on motion by the defense, the February 2 trial date was extended to allow time for the defense to review evidence and the results of FBI Laboratory tests. The defense complained about the government's failure to provide timely access to evidence and documents, and the trial judge admonished the prosecutors to have the laboratory examination completed quickly. The 42 day jury trial began on April 13, 1993. During the trial, the defendants brought to the court's attention problems they had in obtaining documents and information to which they believed they were entitled under either federal law or a discovery stipulation with the government. The most extreme breach of the stipulation involved the late production of the underlying materials and notes related to the FBI Shooting Incident Report which had been produced as the result of an internal inquiry into the sniper shootings. Although the defendants had received the final Shooting Incident Report before trial, during trial the FBI, in response to a defense subpoena, sent by fourth class mail materials that were not part of the documents that the FBI had produced earlier in discovery. These materials included a drawing Horiuchi made days after the shooting. The drawing arrived in Idaho after Horiuchi had completed his testimony, thus requiring his return for additional testimony. The court fined the government for the attorneys fees incurred by the defendants for the lost trial day. One of the two prosecutors became ill and did not participate in the final arguments. After deliberation for 20 days, on July 8, 1993, the jury acquitted Weaver and Harris of the murder of Deputy Marshal Degan, the conspiracy charge, and the significant remaining charges. Weaver was convicted on charges of failure to appear for trial and committing an offense while on release. On October 26, 1993, Weaver was sentenced to 18 months incarceration, three years probation and a $10,000 fine. The court issued an Order fining the FBI and criticizing it for its failure to produce discovery materials, its failure to obey orders and admonitions of the court, and its indifference to the rights of the defendant and to the administration of justice. On December 18, 1993, Randy Weaver was released from incarceration. FOOTNOTE FOR SECTION 3. FACTUAL SUMMARY 2. The indictment charged violations in 18 U.S.C. 2, 3, 111, 115, 371, 933 (g) (2), 924 (c) (1), 1071, 1111, 1114, 3146 (a) (1), 3147, 26 USC 5861 (d), and (f) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED A. Investigation of Weaver by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms 1. Introduction The events that led to the death of three persons at Ruby Ridge, Idaho in August 1992 and to the subsequent prosecution of Randall ("Randy") Weaver and Kevin Harris had their origin with an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ("BATF"). Serious allegations have been made about the role of BATF in the Weaver matter. Included among these allegations are that a BATF informant entrapped Weaver into selling illegal weapons; that a BATF reward system created the incentive for the informant to entrap Weaver; and that BATF and the informant tired to conceal this future compensation arrangement from the defense, the court and the U.S. Attorney's Office.[FN3] It has also been alleged that BATF exaggerated to the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney 's Office, and the court the extent of Weaver's involvement with the Aryan Nations and the Order and that federal law enforcement unconstitutionally targeted Randy Weaver for prosecution because of his religious views.[FN4] 2. Statement of Facts a. Early Law Enforcement Contacts with Randy Weaver Randy Weaver first came to the attention of federal law enforcement personnel in 1985 as a result of alleged threats he made against President Reagan, Idaho Governor John Evans, and certain law enforcement officials.[FN5] The U.S. Secret Service investigated the allegations and interviewed Weaver. During this investigation, it was learned that Weaver was frequently visited by Frank Kumnick, who was associated with members of the Aryan Nations, a white-supremacist group.[FN6] Kumnick was described as the "mentor" for Weaver's "far right wing" beliefs. [FN7] Weaver and Kumnick had allegedly spoken of burning churches and had made threats against Catholics and Jews.[FN8] In addition, Weaver had been seen with Richard Butler, leader of a local Aryan Nations Church.[FN9] The Secret Service was also told that Weaver had a cache of weapons, including a number of semi and fully automatic handguns and rifles,[FN10] and that he had access to explosives and to "an unlimited amount of ammunition."[FN11] Weaver had been described as a person with a "paranoid defensive attitude,"[FN12] who had chosen his mountaintop residence "for survivalist purposes."[FN13] One Bonners Ferry resident reported that Weaver had "rigged his driveway with bombs."[FN14] Another person interviewed by the Secret Service stated that Weaver had spoken of the world ending in two years "when my home will be under siege and assaulted."[FN15] Secret Service agents interviewed Weaver on February 12, 1985. At that time, he denied threatening the President, the Governor, or churches. He also denied having any affiliation with the Aryan Nations or its members.[FN16] Weaver said that he had "no time for Aryan Nation's preachers" and that his religious beliefs were "strictly by the bible." He acknowledged knowing Frank Kumnick, but said that Kumnick was associated with the Covenant, Sword and Arm of the Lord. Weaver informed the agents that he had served for three years as an Army Special Forces Green Beret and that he had been an Army engineer.[FN17] He stated that the Bible gave him the right to kill, if necessary, to defend his family,[FN18] but added the federal authorities were welcome on his property "in spite of stories that had circulated about him and his family."[FN19] On February 28, 1985, Randy and Vicki Weaver filed a handwritten affidavit with the Boundary County Clerk claiming that persons around Deep Creek, Idaho were conspiring to endanger the Weaver family and to precipitate an attack on Randy Weaver's life. The affidavit alleged that Weaver's "accusers" had made false statements about his connections with the Aryan Nations and his ownership of illegal weapons and that they had wrongfully alleged that he had threatened the President and the Pope. The Weavers also stated that these falsehoods were designed to provoke the FBI into storming their home. Weaver expressed fear that he would be killed or arrested for assault of a federal officer, if he tried to defend himself, and he gave "legal and official notice that [he] believe[d] [he] may have to defend [him]self and [his] family from physical attack on [his] life."[FN20] In May 1985, Weaver sent a letter to President Reagan claiming that his neighbors had sent the President a threatening letter under Weaver's name. Weaver apologized for their "evil" in involving the President in their efforts to harass Weaver. On the same date, Vicki Weaver sent a letter to the Spokane Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service demanding a written apology from the Secret Service.[FN21] The federal government never filed any charges against Weaver for the alleged threats made against the President, the Governor, or others.[FN22] b. BATF Contact with Weaver Weaver first came to the attention of the BATF in July 1986 during its investigation of a series of bombings in Coer d'Alene, Idaho in which the Aryan Nations was believed to be involved. BATF asked Kenneth Fadeley, a confidential informant, to assist its investigation by obtaining information about people attending an upcoming World Aryan Congress who might be engaged in illegal activities.[FN23] Thereafter, Fadeley portrayed himself as a weapons dealer who catered to motorcycle gangs and, in this role, managed to be introduced to high level members of the Aryan Nations in Northern Idaho.[FN24] In July, 1986, Fadeley attended the World Aryan Congress at Hayden Lake, Idaho. During this assembly, Fadeley was introduced to Weaver, who was at that time of no particular investigative significance to BATF.[FN25] Six months later, in January 1987, Fadeley met with Frank Kumnick, who was suspected of significant firearms trafficking. Fadeley wore a hidden taper recorder to this meeting. Randy Weaver accompanied Kumnick. Fadeley had met with Kumnick more than a dozen times before, and although Weaver's name had been mentioned numerous times, Fadeley had not expected Weaver at this meeting.[FN26] In Weaver's presence, Kumnick, after suggesting that Fadeley was a government informant, held a gun to Fadeley's head and ran an electronic stud finder over Fadeley's body to search for a hidden microphone or recorder. Kumnick did not find the recorder.[FN27] At this meeting, Weaver gave Fadeley no indication that he was predisposed to selling illegal weapons. [FN28] [G.J.] [FN29][G.J.] At the World Aryan Congress in July 1987, Fadeley again met Weaver, who was accompanied by his wife and children. Weaver mentioned to Fadeley that it was a "struggle" to provide for his family. Weaver also declared that he did not trust the leaders of the Aryan Nations and that he did not agree with the actions of Richard Butler, leader of the Aryan Nations.[FN30] After this contact, Fadeley continued to view Weaver simply as one of the many attendees at the World Aryan Congress. c. Sale of Weapons by Weaver to BATF Informant Fadeley and Weaver met again at the July 1989 World Aryan Congress, where Weaver was one of the speakers.[FN31] Fadeley told Weaver that his gun "business [was] busy." In response, Weaver did not offer to sell Fadeley firearms, but he did invite Fadeley to a house he was renting to discuss forming a group to fight the "Zionist Organized Government" a term used by Aryan nations members to refer to the U.S. Government.[FN32] According to Weaver, the proposed group was to include Kumnick and Chuck Holwrth. Holwrth, who had been convicted of an explosives violation an had formed an Aryan Nations splinter group in Montana,[FN33] was of "continuing investigative interest" to the BATF. After learning of Weaver's plan to include Holworth in this group, the BATF began to view Weaver as a possible point of introduction to Holworth.[FN34] On September 8, 1989, at BATF's request, Fadeley telephoned Weaver and arranged to meet him on October 11.[FN35] Fadeley did not record his conversations with Weaver during the October 11 meeting. At the meeting, Weaver asked Fadeley how his business was going. Fadeley replied that he was "extremely busy" and that he had sold all his "product." Weaver explained that he would like to assist Fadeley and that "he was ready to go to work for [him]."[FN36] Fadeley then told Weaver he had a source to whom he dealt guns. Weaver then asked what the most popular items were, and Fadeley described the "street" weapons he thought he could sell, including shotguns. In response, Weaver said that he could supply four or five shotguns per week. Fadeley recalled Weaver representing that he could get any size shotguns that Fadeley wanted. According to Fadeley, Weaver said "just tell me what you want and what size and I'll supply what you want." Weaver added that there would be "no paper," that is, the weapons would not have registration documents.[FN37] As the two men left the meeting, Fadeley walked to Weaver's truck where Weaver showed Fadeley a shotgun and indicated a spot on the barrel where he thought it could be cut. Fadeley pointed to the weapon and said "about here"[FN38] to which Weaver asserted that he could supply weapons like that "all day long."[FN39] Following the meeting, Special Agent Herbert Byerly, Fadeley's BATF contact agent, conducted various records checks on Weaver.[FN40] On October 13, 1989, Fadeley telephoned Weaver from a BATF office and recorded the conversation to confirm his report of the October 11 meeting. During this discussion, Fadeley and Weaver used agreed upon code words and referred to weapons as "chain saws."[FN41] On October 24, 1989, Weaver met with Fadeley, who was wearing a miniature tape recorder and an electronic transmitter. At that time, Weaver gave Fadeley two shotguns, one with a 13 inch barrel, the other with a 12-3/4 inch barrel. Weaver told Fadeley that he had cut the shotgun barrels himself, "[s]itting under a shade tree with a vise and a hacksaw," and added that, "when I get my workshop set up I can do a better job."[FN42] Fadeley paid Weaver $300.00 for the weapons. When Weaver requested an additional $150.00 for the weapons, Fadeley told him that he would give him the additional money at the next purchase.[FN43] Fadeley then proceeded to tell Weaver that "[t]here is money to be had, and it looks like [you] did a real nice job". He then asked Weaver, "You figured four or five a week?" to which Weaver replied, "yeah, or more." Weaver repeated that there would be no paper trail on the weapons.[FN44] Fadeley met Weaver again on November 30, 1989 with the intent of arranging a trip to Montana to meet Holworth. At this time, Weaver announced that he had five additional sawed-off shotguns available for purchase. When Fadeley told him that he had not brought enough money to pay for them, Weaver responded, "just figure on more cash next time." Thereafter, Weaver asked Fadeley if he had "a cover, legit business." In addition, Weaver told Fadeley that he was not able to go to Montana that day, but said that "the next time that I tell you I'll go with ya . . . I'll make sure I'll go with you." Fadeley paid Weaver $100 toward the balance of the previous purchase of two sawed-off shotguns.[FN45] Following this meeting, Byerly instructed Fadeley to have no additional contact with Weaver.[FN46] d. Delay in Obtaining Indictment and BATF Efforts to Enlist Weaver as an Informant On November 24, 1989, Byerly discussed the Weaver gun sale with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Hall from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boise ("USAO"). Hall requested Byerly to submit a criminal violation report to the USAO.[FN47] Five months later, on May 21, 1990, Byerly submitted a case report to the USAO recommending that Weaver be prosecuted for the sale of the sawed-off shotguns.[FN48] One month later, in June 1990, BATF Agents Byerly and Gunderson drove to the Weaver property to speak with Weaver to determine if he might be willing to cooperate in their investigation of Aryan Nations members. They were met by Weaver's daughter, Sara, who had a semi-automatic pistol strapped to her hip, and by his son, Sammy, who carried a large hunting knife. Byerly and Gunderson did not identify themselves and left when they determined that Randy Weaver was not there.[FN49] After leaving the mountain, Byerly and Gunderson noticed Randy Weaver's truck outside a motel in Sandpoint, Idaho and stopped to talk with him. Thereafter, they approached Weaver, identified themselves, showed Weaver a photograph of the sawed-off shotguns he had sold to Fadeley and told him that they had a tape recording of the transaction. Weaver declined their invitation to listen to the tape. Byerly explained to Weaver that the USAO knew of the illegal weapons sale and that Weaver could help himself by providing information to BATF about the illegal activities of Aryan Nations members. He told Weaver that his assistance would be brought to the U.S. Attorney's attention.[FN50] At the end of the conversation, Byerly gave Weaver his telephone number and told him that they would wait for Weaver to come to the BATF office to discuss cooperating with them. Weaver responded that he would not become a "snitch."[FN51] Soon after this contact with Weaver, Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen told Byerly that he planned to present an indictment to the grand jury charging Weaver with firearms violations but that the timing of the indictment would have to be coordinated with the other matters he was handling.[FN52] On December 13, 1990, seven months after BATF referred the case to the USAO, a federal grand jury in the District of Idaho indicted Weaver for manufacturing and possessing an unregistered firearm. e. Arrest and Arraignment of Weaver on Weapons Charges After the issuance of the arrest warrant, BATF conducted an evaluation of Weaver and concluded that it would be too dangerous to the arresting agents and to the Weaver children for BATF to arrest Weaver at his residence.[FN53] Therefore, BATF agents decided to carry out a ruse to arrest Weaver by surprise away from his home. On January 17, 1991, two agents, posing as stranded motorists, stopped a pickup camper on a bridge near the Weaver's residence, raised the hood, and pretended to examine the engine. Byerly, other BATF Agents, and Boundary County Sheriff Whittaker hid in the back of the camper. Shortly thereafter, Randy and Vicki Weaver stopped their truck and approached the camper. The BATF agents then surprised Weaver and placed him under arrest. In the process, Weaver attempted to grab one of the agent's sidearms. Later, Weaver told the arresting agents "nice trick; you'll never do that again."[FN54] After making the arrest, the arresting agents discovered that Weaver had a pistol in his front pants pocket and Vicki Weaver had a revolver in her purse, which she had left in their pickup truck.[FN55] 3. Discussion It has been alleged that BATF singled out Randy Weaver because he shared many of the political and religious beliefs associated with the Aryan Nations, and that BATF entrapped Weaver in order to coerce him to become an informant.[FN56] We found insufficient evidence to support these claims. a. The Decision of BATF to Target Weaver This investigation found no evidence that BATF improperly targeted Weaver because of his religious or political beliefs. Instead, the evidence indicates that BATF became interested in Weaver not because of his personal views but rather because he was acquainted with members of the Aryan Nations, who were suspected of being involved in bombings that had occurred in Northern Idaho. Indeed, BATF, which knew of Weaver's beliefs for more than three years before the sale of the shotguns in October 1989, had taken no action to target Weaver for investigative focus during that period. Byerly told this inquiry that the original purpose in pursuing the transaction with Weaver was not to recruit Weaver as an informant, but rather to determine the degree of his involvement in illicit weapons trafficking by the Aryan Nations.[FN57] We find nothing improper in the BATF plan. We also examined why the government prosecuted Weaver for the alleged gun sale while deciding not to prosecute Frank Kumnick, who had also sold a "short-barrel" shotgun to Fadeley. Byerly told this inquiry that he recommended to the USAO that Kumnick not be charged because an indictment would ruin Fadeley's cover, thus ending his usefulness as an informant.[FN58] Although this may explain why Kumnick was not initially prosecuted it fails to explain why he was not prosecuted after Fadeley's cover was "blown" in March 1990. Notwithstanding the failure to explain why Kumnick was not prosecuted after March 1990, we found no evidence that this difference in treatment was improperly motivated. Byerly told this inquiry that he decided to solicit Weaver's cooperation, rather than Kumnick's, because he believed that Weaver had, or was in a better position to develop, contacts with BATF targets, such as Chuck Holworth and Richard Butler, leader of the Aryan Nation's Church in Northern Idaho. In addition, Byerly came to view Kumnick as a "boastful showoff" who was not involved in "significant firearms trafficking."[FN59] We accept Byerly's reasons for seeking Weaver's cooperation and find nothing improper about his decision to approach Weaver as a possible source of information about illegal acts committed by members of the Aryan Nations. b. Possible Entrapment by the BATF Informant Defense counsel have charged that Weaver "was induced by federal authorities" into selling illegal weapons, that is, the government entrapped Weaver into unlawful conduct.[FN60] To establish the defense of entrapment, it must be shown that the defendant was not predisposed to commit the criminal act.[FN61] A principal factor in determining whether a defendant was entrapped is whether the defendant evidenced reluctant to commit the offense but was overcome by repeated government persuasion.[FN62] The only accounts of Weaver's weapons sales that we have are the recorded conversations between Weaver and informant Fadeley and the statements of Byerly and Fadeley made at trial and to this investigation. We did not have the benefit of any statements from Randy Weaver, who did not testify at trial and who declined our invitation for an interview. Based on the information available to us, there is no evidence that Weaver proposed or was interested in selling weapons before the October 1989 meeting with Fadeley. Although Fadeley had seen Weaver on a number of occasions with a variety of weapons, Weaver apparently had never said that he wanted to sell guns. Nor is there any indication that Fadeley repeatedly proposed that Weaver sell weapons to him and that Weaver had refused. Weaver claimed in a recorded conversation that Fadeley "approached [him] and offered [him] a deal."[FN63] Fadeley later replied that the person who had told Weaver that Fadeley was a federal agent was a "scumbag."[FN64] Fadeley told the Department of Treasury investigators that Weaver's statement was a complete fabrication . . . . I had never approached him or offered him any deal. He made all the overtures. I did not confront him on this [during the meeting]. I felt that if I did, he may take that as a signal that I was an informant or police and I would be in danger.[FN65] However, Fadeley admitted that he had shown Weaver where to cut the shotgun in response to Weaver's saying, "Just tell me what . . . size [shotgun] and I'll supply what you want."[FN66] Unfortunately, this meeting was not tape recorded, nor did Fadeley report to Byerly, his BATF supervisor, that he had given Weaver this guidance.[FN67] We are troubled by the lack of first-hand information about the events immediately before the first weapons sale. Furthermore, the crucial meeting, at which Weaver allegedly raised the idea of selling weapons to Fadeley, was not recorded. The only account of the meeting comes from Fadeley. Although in the recorded November 30 conversation, Weaver expressed additional interest in providing weapons to Fadeley,[FN68] we cannot conclude, on the evidence before us, that Weaver was coerced or unduly enticed into selling weapons to Fadeley. c. Delay in Obtaining Indictment It has been alleged that Weaver's indictment on weapons charges was delayed so as to give BATF an opportunity to "turn" Weaver, that is, to make him a BATF informant. Although BATF was interested in securing Weaver's cooperation, we have found no evidence that the indictment was delayed to help this effort. Byerly apparently waited to press the weapons charge after the October 1989 sale because BATF did not want to expose Fadeley as an informant.[FN69] However, in March 1990, members of the Aryan Nations accused Fadeley of being an informant, effectively ending the covert operation. In early May 1990, Byerly submitted a case report to the U.S. Attorney's Office recommending that Weaver be prosecuted for the sale of the sawed-off shotguns. Byerly approached Weaver to seek his cooperation in June 1990. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen told Byerly that the weapons charge against Weaver would be presented to a grand jury, but that the case would be handled in line with his other priorities.[FN70] Seven months later, the matter was presented to a grand jury and an indictment was returned in December 1990. This investigation has uncovered nothing that suggests misconduct in the span between the weapons sale in 1989 and the indictment in December 1990. Weaver's indictment was evidently not a high priority of either BATF or the USAO, and there is no evidence that the charge was treated as anything but a routine matter. 4. Conclusion It is our conclusion that the investigation which led to Weaver's indictment for the unlawful sale of two sawed-off shotguns, and the decision to indict were proper. We found no evidence that Weaver was unfairly targeted by BATF at the outset or that the delay in indicting him was improper. Although we are troubled by the sequence of events which immediately preceded the sale of the shotguns to the confidential informant, we cannot conclude, based on the evidence before us, that Weaver was coerced or unduly enticed into selling the sawed-off shotguns. FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART A) 3. The controversy that erupted at trial concerning the compensation arrangement between BATF and the informant is discussed in Section IV (O) of this report. 4. See memo by AIIP Daniel J. Wehr to Insps. Roger A. Nisley and Paul E. Mallett, August 24, 1993 (interview with Gerry Spence), at 2-3; Letter from Senator Larry E. Craig to Lloyd Bentsen, Secretary of the Treasury, July 22, 1993; Letter from Senator Larry E. Craig to Janet Reno, Attorney General, July 23, 1993. The Weavers raised a similar issue during the standoff with the FBI in August 1992. Sara Weaver wrote in a statement dated August 30, 1992 that, "Our situation is not over a shotgun but rather our racial and political beliefs." 5. FD-302 Interview of Terry Kinnison, January 21 & 31, 1985. 6. Kinnison FD-302, January 21, 1985. 7. FD-302 Interview of Sam Strongblood Woholi, January 31, 1985. 8. Kinnison FD-302, January 28, 1985; [G.J.] Boundary County Sheriff Bruce Whattaker has been quoted as saying that Weaver told him that "the real Jews of the Bible are we white Christians and ... the false Jews... should be eliminated." "Standoff with Police Enters Second Year," San Francisco Examiner, March 27, 1992. 9. Report of Investigation by Terry R. Driskill, March 1, 1985; [G.J.] 10. Woholi described Randy Weaver's wife Vicki, as a "crack shot who always has a weapon available." Woholi added that Weaver's son, Sammy, handled a weapon well and normally carried a .22 rifle. Anyone approaching the Weaver residence would thus "have three weapons brought to bear on them, Weaver's, his wife's, and his sons's." Woholi FD-302, February 5, 1985. 11. Terry Kinnison provided the FBI with a list of weapons he had observed while visiting the Weaver home: two .22 caliber revolvers; three .22 rifles; a semi-automatic .45 caliber handgun; a .357 handgun; one or two .30-06 rifles; a Riger Mini-14; a .223 caliber rifle; a pump-action shotgun with a factory shortened barrel; and a Heckler Koch .223 caliber semi-automatic with a tripod and adapter for full automatic functioning. Kinnison reported that Weaver had thousands of rounds of ammunition. Kinnison FD-302, January 21, 1985. 12. Kinnison FD-302, February 5, 1985. See Transcript of conversation of Randy Weaver, Kenneth Fadeley and Frank Kummick January 20, 1987, at 36 ("You know the Bible says don't trust no man.") 13. FD-302 Interview with John Fritz, January 18, 1985. Fritz had heard that Weaver had automatic weapons and a night scope and that he "likes the high ground." 14. FD-302 Interview of Kermit Black, January 18, 1985. 15. Wolholi FD-302, February 5, 1985. In a 1983 newspaper interview, Weaver discussed his plan to move to Northern Idaho to live in an isolated hideaway "and survive the coming 'Great Tribulation,'" Waterloo Courier, January 9, 1983, B-1. 16. This claim would later be contradicted. See Report of Investigation by W. Warren Mays (interview of Chris Colgrave), March 5, 1991, at 1 ("Colgrave stated that Weaver claimed membership in the Aryan Nation"); Report of Investigation by W. Warren Mays (interview with Susan Thompson), March 5, 1991 at 1. In 1990, Weaver gave Boundary County Sheriff Bruce Whittaker literature supporting the Aryan Nation's views. Report of Investigation by David Hunt and W. Warren Mays, March 7, 1991, at 4. The Postmaster for Naples, Idaho confirmed that Weaver had received "Aryan Nation... as well as other white supremacist, anti-goverment type literature" at his post office box. Report of Investigation by W. Warren Mays, March 5, 1991. 17. It was subsequently learned that this assertion was false. Weaver's military "DD-214" shows that he may have received some demolition training in an Army engineering unit, but that he was neither a Green Beret nor a member of the Special Forces. Sworn Statement of David Hunt, February 14, 1994, at 2, 6; FD-302 Interview of W. Warren Mays, October 5, 1993, at 2, 4. 18. Letter from Patrick F. Sullivan, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (Seattle) to Chris Nelson, Special Agent in Charge, BATF (Seattle), August 28, 1992, at 2. 19. FD-302 Interview of Randy Weaver, February 12, 1985, at 2. 20. Affidavit of Randy and Vicki Weaver, February 23, 1985. 21. See Letter from Patrick F. Sullivan, to Chris Nelson, August 28, 1992, at 2. 22. Terry Kinnison, the neighbor who reported the threats to the Bounday County Sheriff's Office, later notified the sheriff that Weaver had fired shots at him. Memorandum by Ronald Evans to Tony Perez, February 20, 1991. Report of Investigation by W. Warren Mays, Feburary 21, 1991, at 2. 23. Sworn Statement of Herbert G. Byerly, December 20, 1993, at 1-2; [G-J] 24. Fadely obtained information against a number of Aryan Nations members regarding the Couer d'Alene bombings, including David R. Dorr, Chief of Security for the upcoming Congress. Dorr and several others were later arrested and charged with the bombings. Byerly Sworn Statement, at 1-2. 25. Id. at 2. 26. Testimony of Herbert G. Byerly in United States v. Weaver, No. CR-92-080-N-EJL, April 21, 1993, at 8-9 (hereinafter cited as "Trial Testimony"). 27. Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley, Weaver and Kimnick on January 20, 1987, at 4-6. See Byerly Sworn Statement, at 2. 28. Trial Testimony of Kennth Fadeley, April 20, 1993. 29. [G.J.] 30. Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 60-69. 31. In the interim, Weaver had run unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for sheriff of Bounday County. During his campaign, he promised to enforce only those laws the people wanted, and he distributed cards that said "get out of jail free." Weaver lost the primary, 384 votes to 102. "Survivalist Refuses to Come in From Cold," The Oregonian, October 1, 1991, C8; Feds Have Fugitive 'Under Out Nose'," Spokesman Review (Spokane), March 1, 1992, A19. 32. Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 45, 82-90. 33. ID. at 103, 112. 34. Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 3-4. 35. Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 100-02. 36. Report by Byerly of Interview of Kenneth Fadeley, February 20, 1990, at 1. See Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 103, 112. [G. J.] 37. Report by Byerly of Interview of Kennth Fadeley, February 8, 1990, at 1 (herinafter cited as "Byerly Report"). Weaver later repeated this final statement in a recorded conversation. Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, October 29, 1989, at 12. Fadeley told Weaver "the smaller [the weapon] the better." Weaver asked, "You mean 12 to 14 inches," to which Fadeley replied, "Yeah." Byerly Report, Feburary 8, 1990, at 1. 38. Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1992, at 105. 39. Byerly Report, February 8, 1990, at 1. According to Byerly, Fadeley said that Weaver showed Fadeley a shotgun and said he could cut the barrel off to about two inches in front of the slide. Byerly's report does not mention Fadeley's showing Weaver where to cut the barrel. Byerly told this investigation that he did not know "who may have instructed Weaver as to how to saw off the shotguns." Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 6. 40. Byerly Trial Testimony, April 20, 1992, at 27. 41. [G.J.] Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, October 13, 1989, at 2. 42. Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, October 24, 1989, at 3, 6. The stocks on both weapons had also been cut. Section 5681 of Title 26 of the United State Code criminalizes that possession of unregistered firearms and the alteration of firearms by anyone not in the business of manufacturing firearms. Section 5845 (a) explains that the term "firearms" includes shotguns with barrels of less that 18 inches. 43. Byerly Report, February 28, 1990, at 2; Byerly Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 32-34; Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, October 24, 1989, at 4. 44 Id. at 6. Fadeley had originally planned to go with Weaver to Montana that day, however, because BATF was unable to arrange security, the trip was postponed. Id. at 6-13; Fadeley Trial Testimony, at 135. 45 Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, November 30, 1989, at 6-12, 24, 31. Weaver explained that someone in Spokane had told him that Fadeley was "bad," meaning that Fadeley was a policeman. Weaver claimed, "You approached me and offered me a deal." Fadeley responded, "This scumbag . . . He's lying through his teeth cause I'm not a badge." Id. at 22. Later, Fadeley told Weaver "if you want to believe somebody else . . . it's been nice doing business with you, have a nice life." Weaver said that he would be less suspicious of Fadeley if their two families could meet, adding, "That's all I care about, is my family." Id. at 13, 15, 21-23. 46 Byerly Trial Testimony, April 20, 1992, at 46. 47 Statements of Byerly, January 14 & February 28, 1990. Byerly continued to obtain background information on Weaver. In about March 1990, Byerly met with Weaver's neighbors, the Raus, who complained that the Weavers had fired weapons at their property. Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 8. 48 The report included a letter from Patrick Sullivan, a Special Agent in the Secret Service's Seattle Office, summarizing the 1985 Weaver investigation. This letter contained the only reference to Weaver's affiliation with the Aryan Nations in the case report. 49 Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 8-9. 50 Byerly observed that Weaver was wearing an Aryan Nations belt buckle and jacket emblem. Id. at 10-11. 51 Id. at 10. Vicki Weaver described this encounter in a letter, dated June 12, 1990, addressed to the "Aryan Nations & all our brethren of the Anglo Saxon Race." She wrote: We cannot make deals with the enemy. This is a war against the sons of Isaac. Yahweh our Yashua is our Savior and King . . . . If we are not free to obey the laws of Yahweh, we may as well be dead! Let Yah-Yashua's perfect will be done. If its our time, we'll go home. If it is not we will praise his Separated name! 52 Id. at 10; Transcript of Interview of Ronald Howen, November 22-23, 1993, Tape 2, at 41 (hereinafter cited as "Howen Interview"). 53 Report of Investigation by Cluff (interview of Byerly), February 20, 1991, at 6; Memo from Evans to Perez, February 20, 1991, at 2. 54 Memo by Evans to Hunt, Cluff, and Mays, February 11, 1991; Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 12. 55 See Pretrial Services Report, United States v. Randall C. Weaver, January 18, 1991. Sheriff Whittaker said that Vicki Weaver was not charged with carrying a concealed weapon because "that law is rarely enforced in the Boundary County area, because of peoples proclivity to wear or carry weapons. . . ." FD-302 Interview of Bruce Whittaker, November 20, 1993, at 3. 56 See Memo by AIIP Daniel J. Wehr to Insps. Roger A. Nisley and Paul E. Mallett, August 24, 1993 (interview with Gerry Spence), at 2-3. 57 Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 6. 58 Byerly spoke about this with Assistant U.S. Attorney Hall. Byerly Trial Testimony, April 21, 1993, at 31-33. He later told the Department of Treasury that he had misspoken at trial and that he had discussed the issue of Kumnick's prosecution with Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen. Report by Donald Devane, Investigator, U.S. Treasury OIG, of Interview of Byerly, December 17, 1993 (hereinafter cited as "Devane Report"). 59 Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 26-27. 60 Memorandum in Support of Defendants' Motions, January 6, 1993, at 2 (hereinafter cited as "Defendants' Memorandum"). 61 See Hampton v. United States, 425 U.S. 484, 488 (1976). 62 United States v. Busby, 780 F.2d 804, 805 (9th Cir. 1986). 63 Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, November 30, 1989, at 22. 64 Id. 65 Affidavit of Kenneth Fadeley, December 7, 1993, at 4. 66 Fadeley Trial Testimony, April 20, 1993, at 105; Report by Byerly of Interview of Kenneth Fadeley, February 28, 1990, at 1. 67 See Byerly Report, February 8, 1990, at 1; Byerly Sworn Statement, December 20, 1993, at 6. 68 Weaver evidently knew that the transaction with Fadeley was illegal, since he asked Fadeley if he had "a cover, a legit business." See Transcript of Conversation Between Fadeley and Weaver, November 30, 1989, at 6-12, 24, 31. 69 Byerly has also asserted that during this period he was working on other cases that required attention. Devane Report, January 14, 1994. 70 Howen Interview, Tape 1, at 13, Tape 2, at 41. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED B. The Failure of Weaver to Appear for Trial 1. Introduction On January 18, 1991, Randy Weaver was arraigned on the charges that he made an possessed illegal firearms. At that time, the court set February 19, 1991, as the trial date. Several weeks later the court clerk sent a notice to the parties informing them that the trial date had been changed from February 19 to February 20. Two days later, U.S. Probation Officer Karl Richins sent a letter to Weaver in which he erroneously referred to the trial date as March 20, 1991. When Weaver did not appear in court on February 20, the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Almost a month later, on March 14, 1991, when the bench warrant was still outstanding, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Weaver charging him with failure to appear for trial. A number of issues have been raised with regard to the conduct of the government in handling this stage of the Weaver matter. These issues include: whether government officials, particularly the U.S. Attorney's Office, knew about the erroneous Richins letter before the court issued the February 20 bench warrant; whether the government responded appropriately to the issues created by the Richins letter; whether the U.S. Attorney's Office erred in presenting the indictment to the grand jury before March 20; [G.J.] 2. Statement of Facts a. January 18, 1991 Arraignment On December 13, 1990, a federal grand jury indicted Randy Weaver for making and possessing illegal firearms.[FN71] BATF Agent Herbert Byerly arrested Weaver on January 17, 1991 and transported him to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho for arraignment. On January 18, Byerly informed Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen that Weaver had been arrested, that Weaver had resisted arrest, that Weaver had said when arrested, "nice trick; you'll never do that again" and that Weaver appeared to be associated with the Aryan Nation. Byerly also provided background information on the case and recommended to Howen that Weaver be detained because Byerly did not believe that he would appear for trial. According to Byerly, Howen responded that it would be difficult to detain Weaver and did not offer to oppose the release of Weaver.[FN72] Weaver appeared in court for his arraignment the following day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Ayers. No one was present for the government at the arraignment nor was Weaver represented by counsel.[FN73] Before releasing Weaver, Judge Ayers instructed him that he was required to report on a regular basis to Karl Richins, the Pretrial Service Officer, in Boise and that his first contact was to be on January 22.[FN77] Later, Judge Ayers, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, added Richins' name and phone number to the order setting forth the release conditions.[FN78] Judge Ayers told Weaver that it would be a criminal offense if he failed to appear. Weaver said that he understood the penalties for violating the release conditions and that he agreed to abide by those conditions. Thereafter, he signed and received a copy of the release conditions.[FN79] Weaver also signed a bond and the court explained that the bond could be executed if he failed to appear for trial.[FN80] Before terminating the proceeding, Judge Ayers had Weaver confirm that his mailing address was Box 103 in Naples, Idaho.[FN81] b. Events Occurring From the Arraignment Through February 20, 1991 (1) Communications With Weaver On January 22, 1991, four days after the arraignment, Judge Ayers sent a letter to Everett Hofmeister informing him that he had been appointed defense counsel for Weaver, that Weaver could be contacted at "PO Box 103, Naples, Idaho 83847" and that the trial date was set for February 19, 1991. A copy of this letter was sent to Weaver. On that same day, Weaver telephoned Karl Richins, the U.S. Probation Officer, and informed Richins that he had been ordered to call Richins on that date. Richins told Weaver that he had not received the paperwork on his case and, thus, could not advise him about the release conditions. Richins asked Weaver to leave his name and phone number so that Richins could call him when he received the case file. According to Richins, Weaver never gave him a phone number where he could be contacted nor could Richins recall what understanding the parties had as to how Richins would contact Weaver in the future.[FN82] After this conversation, Richins never heard from Weaver again.[FN83] On January 19, 1991, defense counsel Hofmeister sent a letter to the two addresses he had for Weaver, requesting Weaver to contact him. Hofmeister sent similar letters to Weaver at these addresses on January 31 and February 5. Around February 5, Hofmeister contacted individuals who knew Weaver and requested that they instruct Weaver to contact Hofmeister immediately.[FN84] Meanwhile, in early February, the court learned that the Weaver trial, which had been scheduled for February 19, would have to be changed to give the participants sufficient travel time following a federal holiday on the preceding Monday. On February 5, the court clerk sent a notice to the parties informing them that the trial was rescheduled for February 20, 1991. Although this notice was not sent directly to Weaver, a copy was sent to and received by Hofmeister.[FN85] Two days later, on February 7, 1991, probation officer Richins sent a letter to Weaver at his Naples address. Richins wrote: On January 18, 1991, you were released on Pretrial Supervision pending your trial set for March 20, 1991. You contacted our office and I advised you we would be getting back with you as soon as we received the paper work from Magistrate Ayers. I have long ago received the paperwork but have been unable to locate a telephone number where I could contact you. Accordingly, with this letter, I are [sic] requesting you to contact me at 334- 1630 as soon as possible. You may call collect if you choose.[FN86] (Emphasis added.) According to Richins, he wrote the letter because he needed to establish pretrial supervision of Weaver and had not heard from Weaver since their January 22 phone conversation.[FN87] The only explanation that Richins could provide for the erroneous trial date was that it was a typographical error. At trial, Richins expressed regret for the error and testified that he had placed the date in the letter as part of his effort to get Weaver to contact him. [FN88] Weaver never responded to Richins' letter.[FN89] On February 8, 1991, after receiving the February 6 court notice, Hofmeister wrote another letter urging Weaver to contact him and informing Weaver that the trial date had been changed to February 20. Four days later, having still not heard from Weaver, Hofmeister placed numerous unanswered calls to a telephone number at which Weaver reportedly received messages. In addition, Hofmeister asked individuals who had contact with Weaver to ask Weaver to contact Hofmeister immediately. However, as of the morning of February 20, Weaver had not contacted Hofmeister. [FN90] (2) The "Queen of Babylon" Letters and the Threat Assessment by the U.S. Marshals Service On February 7, 1991, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boise received two letters signed by Vicki Weaver. The first letter was dated January 22, 1991 -- the same day that Weaver called Richins - and was addressed to "The Queen of Babylon." It stated in part: A man cannot have two masters. Yahweh Yahshua Messiah, the anointed One of Saxon Israel is our law giver and our King. We will obey Him and no others. . . . 'a long forgotten wind is starting to blow. Do you hear the approaching thunder? It is that of the awakened Saxon. War is upon the land. The tyrants blood will flow.'[FN91] The last quote was credited to "Mathews." The second letter, dated February 3, 1991, was addressed to "Servant of the Queen of Babylon, Maurice O. Ellsworth, U.S. Attny [sic]" and stated in part: Yah-Yahshua the Messiah of Saxon Israel is our Advocate and our Judge. The stink of your lawless government has reached Heaven, the abode of Yahweh our Yahshua. Whether we live or whether we die, we will not bow to your evil commandments.[FN92] Ellsworth did not associate the name Vicki Weaver with any matter pending in his office.[FN93] However, because the language of the letters appeared somewhat threatening, he requested the U.S. Marshals Service in Boise ("USMS") to conduct a threat assessment of the letters.[FN94] Deputy U.S. Marshal Warren Mays was assigned to perform the threat assessment.[FN95] After checking with state and local agencies, Mays determined that Vicki Weaver was the wife of Randy Weaver.[FN96] Once this connection was made, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Ronald Evans convened a staff meeting, to determine how to proceed with the threat assessment. It was decided that Deputy U.S. Marshal David Hunt would be assigned to assist Mays in the inquiry.[FN97] Thereafter, Hunt and Mays began to gather information to enable them to prepare a "Threat Source Profile" of Weaver.[FN98] Mays first reviewed the bail report prepared for Weaver which revealed that Weaver had admitted membership in the "Aryan Nations/Church of Jesus Christ Christian," had attended three Aryan World Congresses and had been wearing and Aryan Nations belt buckle at the time of the arrest.[FN99] In addition, Mays analyzed the language in the two letters written by Vicki Weaver and concluded that the letters contained "rhetoric commonly associated with the Aryan Nations/Church of Jesus Christ Christian."[FN100] Evans characterized defense counsel Hofmeister as "a noted [Aryan Nations] attorney."[FN101] Based on this information, Mays initially concluded that the two letters from Vicki Weaver contained veiled but not overt threats.[FN102] Mays next asked Senior Deputy U.S. Marshall Jack Cluff, the resident officer in Moscow, Idaho, about the pending firearms charge against Weaver. Cluff suggested that Mays contact BATF Agent Byerly. Cluff also told Mays that he had learned from Lonnie Ekstrom, a deputy in the Boundary County Sheriff's Office, that Weaver had sent a letter to that office stating that he would not leave his cabin and that law enforcement officers would have to take him out.[FN103] Ekstrom recalled that in the letter the Weavers voiced, "sentiments which indicated that [they] felt as though the end is near and [that] the Federal Agents are watching very closely."[FN104] Cluff told Mays that Byerly had described Weaver as being "extremely uncooperative at the time of his booking" and believed that Weaver "planned not to appear for future court proceedings." [FN105] Byerly also reported to Cluff that Weaver: is very adamant and very convinced in his own mind of his religious beliefs in that the government is posing a threat to him. He is very anti-government. He believes that this charge by the federal government against him is the beginning of Armageddon. The religious war is about to begin. The end of the world is coming and he is ready to make his stand in the final battle. I would urge utmost caution and care in his arrest. I believe his children are going to be armed. If the situation is such that they were present during his apprehension, I believe that they should definitely be considered to be a threat to the arresting officers.[FN106] Mays next spoke with Special Supervisory Agent Michael Kelly who reported that the entire Weaver family, including the 12 and 14 year old children, were armed "at all times." Kelly told Mays that a BATF informant had indicated that the Weaver children slept with weapons in their beds.[FN107] Neither Kelly nor anyone else in BATF advised either Hunt or Mays that BATF had attempted to solicit Weaver to work as an informant. Indeed, it was not until over a year later that the marshals learned of this action.[FN108] As their investigation continued, Mays was briefed by the U.S. Secret Service on its investigation of Weaver for alleged threats he had made against President Reagan and the Governor of Idaho in 1985.[FN109] In addition, Mays and Hunt interviewed people in the community who might have further background information on Weaver.[FN110] Hunt and Mays also reviewed a copy of the military record "DD-214" for Weaver. Although the record did not indicate that Weaver had been a Green Beret or a member of the Special Forces, they speculated that Weaver may have received some general demolition training based on an indication in the record that Weaver had training as a "combat engineer."[FN111] On February 11, 1991, Mays forwarded the materials that he had gathered on Weaver to the Marshals Service Threat Analysis Division.[FN112] Around this time, Mays briefed Ellsworth on their findings. Mays told Ellsworth that they did not believe that he was personally at risk and that they doubted that Weaver would appear for trial.[FN113] When Ellsworth learned that Vicki Weaver was the wife of Randy Weaver, he discussed the matter with Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen, who had been assigned to the Weaver prosecution.[FN114] Ellsworth showed Howen the January 22 letter from Vicki Weaver. Howen identified "the long forgotten wind" passage as not being from the biblical book of Matthew but rather from the "Declaration of War" written by Robert Mathews, the founder of "The Order," a white supremacist group.[FN115] Soon after he wrote the Declaration, Mathews was killed during a standoff with the FBI at a house on Whidbey Island, Washington. Shortly after Howen relayed this information to Ellsworth, Chief Deputy Marshal Evans reported to Tony Perez, the Chief of Enforcement Operations at Marshals Service Headquarters, that sources within BATF had stated that Weaver had the potential to be "another Bob Mathews and his homestead another Whidbey Island standoff."[FN116] c. February 20, 1991 - The Rescheduled Trial Date Although the USAO continued preparing the Weaver case for trial, members of that office were beginning to doubt that Weaver would appear for trial. Sometime before February 20, defense counsel Hofmeister told Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen that he had been unable to contact Weaver. Based on this information, the two letters sent by Vicki Weaver and the information developed during the threat assessment, Howen concluded that Weaver would not appear for trial. Despite the indications that Weaver would not appear for trial, Howen told Byerly that they needed to continue preparing for trial. As a cautionary measure, Howen instructed Byerly to be in court on February 19, the original trial date, in case Weaver appeared.[FN117] Byerly was present in court on February 19, but Weaver did not appear. Howen insisted that he had no knowledge of the Richins letter at the time or when he appeared in court the following day.[FN118] On February 20, Howen and defense counsel Hofmeister appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Harold L. Ryan. At that time, Hofmeister told the court that he had been unable to contact Weaver.[FN119} Hofmeister then detailed the efforts that he had taken to communicate with Weaver. In addition, Hofmeister said that on the weekend before trial his answering service had received no calls from Weaver and that none of the letters he had sent to Weaver -- all of which had been sent by regular mail -- had been returned.[FN120] Howen told the court that it was his understanding that Weaver had not kept in contact with Pretrial Services as required. He requested that a bench warrant be issued for Weaver's arrest, that his bond be revoked, and that he be taken into custody.[FN121] Judge Ryan, after determining that the presence specialist had no information about whether Weaver had contacted pretrial services, ordered that a bench warrant be issued for Weaver because he had failed to appear for trial.[FN122] According to Judge Ryan, it was routine practice for him to issue a bench warrant whenever a defendant failed to appear for trial.[FN123] At that time the Weaver matter had no notoriety and was "just another case" to him.[FN124] d. Discovery of the Richins Letter and the Response of the Government On February 26, 1991, Ken Keller, a reporter from the Kootenai Valley Times in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, telephoned the U.S. Probation Office and asked Duty Officer Manning whether Weaver had not appeared for trial on February 20 because Richins had sent a letter to him stating that the trial date was March 20. Thereafter, Manning apprised Terrence Hummel, the Chief Probation Officer, of the inquiry. When Hummel retrieved the Richins letter, he discovered that it did, indeed, erroneously refer to the trial date as being on March 20.[FN125] Hummel promptly contacted Jim Martin, Judge Ryan's law clerk, and told him of the error in the Richins letter.[FN126] Thereafter, they contacted Chief Deputy Marshal Ronald Evans and notified him of the mistake. Evans told them that the Marshals Service "did not intend to execute the warrant until possibly March 16" and would agree to defer execution until March 23.[FN127] Martin told Hummel that he would inform Judge Ryan of the mistake and determine if he wanted to withdraw the bench warrant.[FN128] In addition to notifying the court and the Marshals Service, Hummel also informed U.S. Attorney Ellsworth of the Richins letter and sent him a copy.[FN129] During that conversation, Hummel suggested that Ellsworth not present the failure to appear charge to the grand jury until April. He characterized Ellsworth as being noncommittal regarding this proposal.[FN130] Later that day, Hummel telephoned Hofmeister and informed him of the Richins letter.[FN131] In a confirming letter to Hofmeister, Hummel stated that he had notified Judge Ryan and the USAO of the error and that he had recommended that the warrant not be executed until after March 20.[FN132] Following these discussions, Hummel returned the initial call from reporter Keller. In a memorandum to the file, Hummel wrote that he told Keller that he did not know if Weaver had received the Richins letter and that he had not indicated "one way or another whether or not Mr. Richins had, in fact, sent that letter."[FN133] On February 28, Keller wrote in an article that Hummel had disclaimed knowledge of the Richins letter.[FN134] Hummel insisted to investigators that he never denied the existence of the letter but explained that he was cautious about his statements because of the constraints imposed by the Bail Reform Act regarding the pretrial disclosure of information.[FN135] When Judge Ryan returned to his chambers on February 27, Martin briefed him about the Richins letter. Judge Ryan believed that the arrest warrant should not be withdrawn since Hofmeister had been informed of the change and had attempted to tell Weaver.[FN136] Thereafter, Martin informed Evans that Judge Ryan did not wish to withdraw the bench warrant. According to Evans, Martin stated that Judge Ryan made this decision after reasoning that Weaver had been told that the trial date was February 19 and that Richins was without authority to change the trial date. Martin also told Evans that Judge Ryan wanted the Marshals Service to bring Weaver before him during the week of March 11, since after that time he would be unable to hear the case until late May 1991. [FN137] Sometime around February 27, Michael Johnson, the U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho, asked Hummel to send another letter to Weaver informing him of the trial date error and the bench warrant and asking him to contact the pretrial services officer immediately.[FN138] However, Richins testified that no steps were ever taken to inform Weaver of the mistakes in the letter. On February 28, Evens met with Ellsworth, Howen and Mays to discuss the failure of Weaver to appear for trial, the Richins letter[FN140] and the possibility of presenting an indictment to the grand jury.[FN141] According to Ellsworth, Evans was concerned about the impact of the Richins letter and questioned Ellsworth about how the Marshals Service should proceed. After this discussion, Ellsworth replied, "let's go ahead and return the failure to appear indictment. And if Mr. Weaver appears on March the 20th, we may to [sic] have to dismiss it."[FN142] Ellsworth advised Evans that Weaver was obligated to appear on February 20 since his counsel had received the court notice with the proper date.[FN143] Hunt testified at trial that the Richins letter created "a potential here for some reasonable misunderstanding."[FN144] Hunt explained that if Weaver had appeared on March 20, they had contemplated that dismissal of the indictment was possible.[FN145] According to Mays, in light of the Richins letter, the position of the Marshal Service was that the bench warrant and the indictment "would be dropped" if Weaver appeared on March 20. [FN146] Because of the Richins letter, the Marshals Service decided to wait until after March 20 to effect the warrant.[FN147] In the interim, the Marshals Service continued to gather information about Weaver, in part to determine if contact could be made with him. [FN148] On March 4, Hofmeister informed Evans that despite numerous phone calls and letters, Weaver still had not contacted him.[FN149] Since Weaver was not communicating with his own counsel, the marshals concluded that a friend of the Weavers might be more successful in conveying a message to them. The marshals identified Bill and Judy Grider as candidates for this role. The Griders lived in a cabin near the Weavers and were known to share philosophical views similar to those held by the Weavers.[FN150] On March 5, Hunt and Mays met with the Griders and informed them that they had an arrest warrant for Weaver. Bill Grider told the marshals that Weaver believed that he was being persecuted and would be treated unfairly if he submitted to the system. At that point, Judy Grider stated that Weaver had received a letter from the court telling him that he did not have to appear until March 20. The marshals asked the Griders to inform Weaver that they did not want a confrontation and that he should surrender to authorities. The Griders agreed to convey the message and to report Weaver's response.[FN151] Hunt and Mays met with the Griders the next day. At that time, Bill Grider gave the marshals a letter from Weaver, which he said contained Weaver's response to the surrender request. The letter, dated March 5, 1991, was addressed to the "Servants of the Queen of Babylon" and was signed by all five Weavers -- Randy, Vicki, Sara, Samuel and Rachel. It stated in part: We, the Weaver family, have been shown by our Savior and King, Yahshua the Messiah of Saxon Israel, that we are to stay separated on this mountain and not leave. We will obey our lawgiver and King. You see, the Mighty One of Heaven knows his people. You are servants of lawlessness and you enforce lawlessness. You are on the side of the One World Beastly Government. Repent for the Kingdom (government) of Yahweh is near at hand. Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house -- we will serve Yah- Yahshua, the King. Whether we live or whether we die, we will not obey your lawless government.[FN152] According to Bill Grider, Weaver stated that, if he dies, "he is going home and the kids want to go with him." When Hunt asked Grider what would happen if he went to Weaver's cabin to arrest him, Grider responded that Weaver had warned that "if a man enters my property with a gun to do me harm, you can bet that I'm going to shoot him to protect myself."[FN153] Evans interpreted this letter as "some type of possible suicide pact by the [Weaver] family"154 but cautioned that it was important that they "not read too much or too little into the letter in its present context."[FN155] Hunt and Mays, in a Threat Source Profile, opined that Weaver might be deliberately seeking a confrontation with what he considered to be a "corrupt and evil government." They referred to several reports on file at the Boundary County Sheriff's Office that indicated that Weaver had fired weapons at others because of trespassing or other alleged property disputes. In addition, the Profile noted that, "Weaver is armed most of the time . . . Sources have stated all family members carry side arms and keep other weapons located in strategic positions in the house and out buildings." The Profile stated that records indicated that Weaver had purchased four handguns, six rifles, and two shotguns.[FN156] Hunt approached the Griders again on March 8 and requested that they ask Weaver how they could avoid a confrontation. In addition, Hunt requested the Griders to ask Weaver to allow the children to leave so that they would not become involved in the dispute. On March 11, Bill Grider called Hunt and said that Weaver identified conditions that would have to be fulfilled in order to resolve the controversy. First, Weaver wanted BATF to admit that they had behaved improperly, that they had made a mistake and that the government was after him. Second, Weaver wanted BATF to return the pistol that they had allegedly "stole" from him at the time of the arrest. Next, Weaver wanted a written apology from Sheriff Whittaker who had called him "paranoid" in court. Finally, Weaver told Grider to tell authorities that if his children could not live in peace on the mountain then they did not want to live.[FN157] The last statement troubled Hunt and caused him to wonder if Randy and Vicki Weaver might use their children as "the first line of defense."[FN158] Evans concluded that a combination of tactical and nontactical approaches should be considered to apprehend Weaver. Evans noted that a tactical approach was viewed as the easiest to accomplish but that "it also offer[ed] the greatest possibility of innocent casualties." He suggested several options including attempting discussions with Weaver by a negotiation team comprised of a Marshals Service negotiator, Hofmeister and Richins, or using other intermediaries, such as the parents of Vicki Weaver, through whom to negotiate with the Weavers. However, in making these suggestions, Evans noted that there were "strong indications that Weaver now mistrusts [Hofmeister] and Richins due to conflicting information in letters received by Weaver." Evans also cautioned that there was "the probability that Weaver will open fire on any law enforcement officer or agent or ZOG ("Zionist Organized Government") once they are identified.[FN159] According to U.S. Marshal Michael Johnson, sometime during the week of March 11, Judge Ryan had a conversation with Evans regarding the apprehension of Weaver. At that time, Judge Ryan reminded Evans and Johnson that they need to arrest Weaver and "get him in his courtroom."[FN160] e. Decision to Present an Indictment to the Grand Jury U.S. Attorney Ellsworth authorized Howen to present the failure to appear indictment to the grand jury, with the understanding that if Weaver appeared for trial on March 20 they "would possibly have to dismiss the indictment."[FN161] Ellsworth explained that dismissal would be necessary under those circumstances, "[b]ecause the fact that he showed up would at least create reasonable doubt in my mind and possibly in a juror's mind as to whether or not the erroneous letter had been a basis for him not showing up February 20th, but showing up on March 20th."[FN162] Although Howen was unable to recall the specifics of the discussions in which he participated regarding the impact of the Richins letter, he did recall that it was their conclusion that Weaver never intended to appear for trial on February 19 or 20, nor would he appear for trial on March 20. In reaching this conclusion, they reasoned that Weaver had been specifically informed a number of times that the trial date was February 19 and that he had the responsibility of maintaining contact with the probation officer and his attorney. Despite these instructions, Weaver failed to comply. Moreover, Howen thought the Queen of Babylon letters evinced an intent by Weaver to remain secluded in his home and not appear for trial.[FN163] The USAO made no efforts to contact Weaver or his counsel to discuss the Richins letter or Weaver's failure to appear. Howen believed that such efforts were best left to the Probation Department and the Marshals Service. Howen thought that they had contacted Hofmeister and inquired whether he could persuade Weaver to talk to him and surrender.[FN164] In addition, he recalled hearing that Marshal Johnson had asked Hummel to write a letter to Weaver explaining the mistake in the letter.[FN165] Ellsworth had no discussions with the Probation Department or with the Marshals Service about sending a letter to Weaver informing him of the error.[FN166] With regard to the decision to present an indictment to the grand jury, Howen stated that even when a bench warrant is outstanding for a failure to appear, it is his policy to obtain an indictment for the charge because the judge could withdraw the bench warrant. Howen believed that an indictment and arrest warrant would give him more control over the matter and protect the agents executing the warrant from civil liability.[FN167] Although Ellsworth recalled that the Marshals Service wanted an indictment, he could not remember the specific reasons for this position.[FN168] However, Ellsworth conceded that, with the bench warrant, the marshals did not need an indictment to have jurisdiction over Weaver for his failure to appear.[FN169] Howen and Ellsworth planned to obtain a sealed indictment from the grand jury during their session in the second week of March and to instruct the marshals not to execute the arrest warrant until after March 20. If Weaver appeared for trial on March 20, both Howen and Ellsworth were prepared to dismiss the indictment provided Weaver had a good faith explanation as to why he had not appeared earlier.[FN170] Howen could not recall why, with the bench warrant outstanding, he presented the indictment on March 14 instead of waiting until the April session of the grand jury. He speculated that it could have been because of a scheduling conflict that he may have had in April although he reiterated that he was convinced that Weaver had intentionally failed to appear for trial, a failure unrelated to the error in the Richins letter.[FN171] Ellsworth acknowledged that they had discussed waiting until April 1991 to present the indictment but decided not to wait since they thought the evidence indicated that Weaver had no intention to appear for trial on March 20.[FN172] f. March 14, 1991 Indictment for Failure to Appear [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN173] [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN174] [FN175] [FN176] [G.J.] [FN177] 3. Discussion a. Government Knowledge of Erroneous Richins Letter Prior to February 20, 1991 This investigation has found no evidence that anyone in the government, including the USAO, was aware of the error in the February 7 Richins letter until February 26, 1991, when the news reporter first contacted the U.S. Probation Office. None of the individuals questioned indicated or suggested that such knowledge existed prior to that time. Nor was any other evidence obtained from which such knowledge could be inferred. Although Howen instructed Byerly to monitor the courtroom on February 19, it appears that this action was unrelated to any knowledge by Howen of the Richins letter but rather was a precautionary measure taken by Howen after receiving indications that Weaver might not appear for trial. Thus, at the earliest, government officials learned of the error six days after Judge Ryan had issued the bench warrant on February 20, 1991. Consequently, we find no factual basis for the allegation that the existence of the Richins letter was concealed from the court on February 20, 1991. b. Appropriateness of Government Response to the Richins Letter Four governmental agencies were involved in the Richins letter issue: the federal district court, which issued the bench warrant for Weavers failure to appear; the federal probation office, which wrote the erroneous letter; the U.S. Marshals Service, which was responsible for apprehending Weaver on the bench warrant; and the U.S. Attorney's Office, which was responsible for prosecuting the firearms charges and for deciding whether an indictment should be presented for the failure to appear charge. After being informed of the mistake in the Richins letter, there was a flurry of activity by each of these entities. Phone conversations were initiated, meetings were conducted and memoranda were written. The evidence indicates that the immediate reaction of almost all involved was that the letter was significant, although differences of opinion existed as to the impact of the letter and what, if any, actions should be taken. With regard to the role of Judge Ryan, we believe that he took and unnecessarily rigid view of the impact of the Richins letter. his initial reaction to the effect of the letter was that it did not excuse Weaver from appearing for trial. He seemed to base his decision on two factors. First, Weaver had been explicitly informed several times of the trial date yet had failed to appear for trial. Second, defense counsel had made numerous attempts to contact Weaver, including to inform him of the correct change in the trial date, but Weaver had failed to respond. Although we agree that these facts provided sufficient ground upon which to issue the bench warrant for the failure to appear, we believe that the Richins letter made necessary a serious reassessment as to whether some corrective action should have been taken. We find it was not unreasonable for Weaver to assume that the Probation Office was a government agency acting on behalf of the court and authorized to inform him of the trial schedule. It is unrealistic to expect the average citizen to be versed in the division of responsibilities within the judicial system. We believe that the preferable approach would have been for the probation officer to send a corrected letter or, perhaps to have the court clerk issue a notice acknowledging the miscommunication and informing Weaver of the correct trial date. With regard to the conduct of the Probation Office, it was its mistake that created this problem. our investigation produced no evidence that this error was anything but an unintentional mistake by Richins. Nor did we find any indication that Hummel intentionally denied to the reporter that the erroneous letter had been sent. Rather, it is our conclusion that the caution of Hummel to avoid improperly disclosing confidential information may have caused him to couch his response in such a manner that the reporter interpreted the response as a denial.[FN178] However, we have difficulty understanding why the office did not send a letter to Weaver explaining the mistake. Although U.S. Marshal Johnson requested Hummel to send such a letter, Hummel did not honor this request. The Marshals Service, in our view, was placed in the middle of this controversy. It immediately recognized the letter as a significant matter that had a potential impact on the viability of the bench warrant and contacted the other governmental agencies involved and attempted to determine how best to proceed. The initial reaction of Chief Deputy Marshal Evans was to defer execution of the warrant. Marshal Johnson also wanted the probation officer to send a letter correcting the mistake. When they consulted with the U.S. Attorney about how to proceed, Ellsworth advised them that they should withhold any tactical service of the bench warrant until after March 20, the trial date erroneously referenced in the Richins letter. From the evidence presented during the investigation, it appears that the Marshals Service sought guidance from both the court and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The reaction of the court was to do nothing to correct the letter since in its view Weaver was clearly obligated to appear. The position of the USAO was somewhat inconsistent. On one hand, it argued that all indications were that Weaver was not going to appear for trial and that the mistake in the letter had not caused Weaver to form this intent nor would a correction cause him to appear. In its view, a corrected letter would not result in Weaver's appearance. However, on the other hand, the USAO indicated that if it obtained an indictment before March 20, 1991 and if Weaver appeared on or before March 20 it either "would" or "possibly would" move to dismiss the indictment. We think that this somewhat inconsistent position evinces the realization that the letter might provide an explanation for Weaver's failure to appear. It appears that although the USAO was consulted they never took control of the issue or urged the sending of a letter to Weaver identifying the error. Such a posture was neither prudent nor advisable. The justification given for their inaction seemed to be that they believed that all indications were that Weaver was not going to appear for trial. They maintained that Weaver had clearly been instructed about the trial date and his obligation to comply with all the conditions of his release. Moreover, they argued that Weaver's counsel, despite numerous attempts, had been unsuccessful in his efforts to contact his client. In addition, Vicki Weaver, presumably with Randy Weaver's knowledge and approval, had written and mailed two letters before the Richins letter was sent which evidenced an intent not to appear. Furthermore, the Marshals Service investigation indicated that Weaver had antigovernment views and distrusted the government. Finally, in response to the marshal's note requesting surrender, Weaver sent a letter that stated that his family would"not obey your lawless government." If these facts had existed without the presence of the Richins letter, we would concur with the conclusion of the USAO that Weaver would probably not appear for trial. However, the facts did not exist in a vacuum. Even Ellsworth recognized the importance of the letter when he instructed the marshals not to participate in any tactical attempts to execute the warrant until March 20. If Ellsworth thought that the letter was without legal effect, this instruction would have been unnecessary. Similarly, both Ellsworth and Howen recognized that if an indictment were obtained, it might "possibly" have to be dismissed if Weaver appeared for trial on or before March 20. Their recognition that Weaver's possible confusion about the trial date might lead to a dismissal demonstrates that the Richins letter warranted a more active response by the government. Furthermore, the fact that Weaver was known to have an intense distrust of government might also cause one to conclude that the letter might have intensified his distrust and contributed to his reluctance to appear for trial. It is clear from Weaver's comments to the Griders that he received the Richins letter. These comments, which were relayed to the marshals, indicated that Weaver was suspicious of what he viewed as inconsistent messages from the government and his own counsel, and that this inconsistency enforced his belief that the government was conspiring against him. We recognize that we have the benefit of more information than was available in 1991, and have had greater time to assess how the government should have responded. However, irrespective of the advantage of hindsight, we are troubled by the rigidity of the government's approach and the lack of leadership exhibited by the USAO on this issue. Although we do not believe that the response of the government to this letter was illegal or violated Weaver's constitutional rights, we do not understand the reasons for the USAO not taking control of this issue and coordinating a unified governmental response. Indeed, it was incumbent upon the USAO to have the Probation Office send an appropriate correction and to have attempted to discuss the matter with the court. Such action would have taken little effort and would have eliminated any question as to whether Weaver was confused. c. Propriety of Seeking an Indictment on March 14, 1991 Despite the existence of an outstanding bench warrant, the USAO decided to present an indictment to the grand jury charging Weaver with failure to appear. Howen decided to present the indictment on March 14, 1991, six days before the erroneous trial date stated in the Richins letter, because the grand jury only sat once a month. For reasons previously discussed, the USAO was convinced that Weaver was not going to appear. As to why the USAO wanted an indictment, Howen explained that an indictment gave him more control and protected the marshals executing the warrant from civil liability if the court were to withdraw the bench warrant without their knowledge. Howen could not recall what, if any, reasons existed for not delaying the presentment of the indictment until the April session of the grand jury. This investigation found no indication that either the Marshals Service or the court applied any pressure directly or indirectly to the USAO as to when or whether to seek an indictment. We are troubled by the decision of the USAO to seek an indictment before March 20. Its words and actions demonstrate that it had some concern, or at lease question, about the impact of the Richins letter on the failure to appear charge. We are not persuaded by the reasons that the USAO articulated for seeking the indictment when they did. At the time that it sought the indictment, a bench warrant was outstanding. The USAO had never received any indication that the court would withdraw the warrant. To the contrary, the court was firmly resolved that the bench warrant was appropriate and should be executed. Furthermore, if Weaver had been arrested on the bench warrant, it is certain that he would not have been released. This would have enabled the USAO to present an indictment to the next grand jury without there being any concern that Weaver would flee. Seeking an indictment at the time that the USAO did created an appearance of governmental overreaching. d. [G.J.] [G.J.] [G.J.] [G.J] [G.J.] [FN179] [G.J.] [FN180] [FN181] [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN182] 4. Conclusion There is no evidence that members of the USAO, the federal probation office and Marshals Service intentionally concealed the erroneous Richins letter from the court on February 20, 1991. However, we conclude that the USAO, the probation office and the court should have appreciated the potential impact of the letter and should have pursued simple and straight forward steps to remedy the error. The decision to seek an indictment prior to the March 20 date state in the letter was unnecessary and created an impression of prosecutorial overreaching. [G.J.] FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART B) 71 See 26 U.S.C. §§ 5861 (d) and (f). 72 Devane Report, December 17, 1993. 73 Former U.S. Attorney Maurice Ellsworth explained that because of the distance from Boise to Moscow, his office did not routinely attend preliminary hearings unless it was a high profile case or there was a strong indication that the defendant posed a flight risk. Interview of Maurice Ellsworth, Tape 1, at 40 (hereinafter cited as "Ellsworth Interview"). Accord, Trial Testimony of Stephen Ayers, April 21, 1993, at 26-27. 74 Arraignment Transcript in United States v. Weaver, No. 90- 092-N-HLR, on January 18, 1991, at 6 (hereinafter cited as "Arraignment Transcript"). 75 Id. at 10. 76 Id. 77 Id. at 12. 78 Id. at 18. 79 Id. at 15. The Order setting forth the conditions of release reiterated that the next court appearance was on February 19, 1991 and that Weaver had to contact Richins on January 22, 1991. Condition 7(g) required Weaver to "refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon." Order Setting Conditions of Release in United States v. Weaver, No. 90- 092-N-HLR, January 18, 1991, at 2 (Appendix at 4). 80 Arraignment Transcript, at 16-17. 81 Id. at 17-18. 82 See Trial Testimony of Karl Richins, April 22, 1993, at 27- 30. 83 Id. at 31-32. 84 Hearing Transcript in United States v. Weaver, No. 90-092- N-HLR on February 20, 1991, at 2-5 (hereinafter cited as "Hearing Transcript"). 85 See Notice date February 5, 1991, in United States v. Weaver, No. 90-092-N-HLR (Appendix at 7). 86 See Letter from Karl L. Richins to Randy Weaver, February 7, 1991 (Appendix at 8). There is no indication on the letter that Probation sent copies to any other party. 87 See Richins Trial Testimony, April 22, 1993, at 32. 88 Id. at 36-37, 39-41. 89 Id. at 38. 90 Hearing Transcript, February 20, 1991, at 2-5. 91 Letter from Vicki Weaver to the "Queen of Babylon", January 22, 1991 (Appendix at 5). 92 Letter from Vicki Weaver to the "Servant of the Queen of Babylon", February 3, 1991 (Appendix at 6). 93 Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 35-36. 94 Id. at 35. One of the responsibilities of the United States Marshal Service is to assess the seriousness of threats made against judicial and law enforcement officials. FD-302 Interview of Ronald D. Evans, October 21, 1993, at 1. 95 Ronald Evans FD-302, at 1. 96 Sworn Statement of David Hunt, February 5, 1994, at 3; FD- 302 Interview of W. Warren Mays, October 5, 1993, at 2. 97 Mays FD-302, at 2. 98 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 3; Mays FD-302, at 3. 99 Report of Investigation by Mays, February 8, 1991, at 3. 100 Id. at 3. 101 Memo from Evans to Hunt, Cluff and Mays, February 11, 1991, at 1. 102 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 2. 103 Supplemental Memorandum from Ronald Evans to Tony Perez, February 20, 1991, at 2. 104 Letter from Lonnie Ekstrom to Jack Cluff, February 20, 1991. Ekstrom could not locate Weaver's letter but summarized its contents in his letter to Cluff. 105 Report of Investigation by Mays, February 8, 1991, at 3. 106 Memo from Evans to Perez, February 20, 1991, at 2. 107 Report of Investigation by Mays, February 8, 1991, at 3. 108 Mays FD-302, at 2; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 5. Memo from Evans to Hunt, Cluff and Mays, February 11, 1991. 109 Memorandum from Evans to Perez, February 11, 1991, at 2. 110 Mays FD-302, at 2. 111 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 2, 6; Mays FD-302, at 2, 4. Mays stated that he had been told that Weaver was an explosives expert and former Green Beret. Weaver claimed to Secret Service investigators in 1985 that he had served three years as a Army Special Forces Green Beret and that he had been an Army engineer. FD-302 Interview of Randy Weaver, February 12, 1985. Later, he made similar claims to other including Jackie Brown, a friend of the Weavers. Weaver told Brown that he had participated in "drug raids" with the CIA and that he had been a member of a special group of Green Berets. Weaver professed that he became disillusioned with the CIA when officials kept the drugs for themselves. See Sworn Statement of Stephen McGavin, November 19, 1993, at 5. 112 Memo from Evans to Hunt, Cluff, and Mays, February 11, 1991, at 1. 113 Mays FD-302, at 3; Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 53-54. 114 Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 36. 115 Howen Interview, Tape 3, at 19-22. Ellsworth remembers this conversation but believes it may have occurred after the return of the March 14, 1991 indictment. Ellsworth Interview, Tape 2, at 1-2. 116 Memo from Evans to Perez, February 20, 1991, at 2. 117 See Byerly Trial Testimony, on April 20, 1993, at 68. 118 See Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 3, 42-43. See also, Byerly Sworn Statement, at 13. If Weaver had appeared, Byerly was to inform Weaver that the trial date had been changed and that he should contact his attorney immediately. Id. 119 Judge Ryan believes that one of his law clerks advised him shortly before the trial that Weaver would probably not appear. FD-302 Interview of the Honorable Harold Ryan, November 9, 1993, at 1. 120 Hearing Transcript, February 20, 1991, at 2-5. Warren Mays testified at trial that the local postal inspector told him on February 21, 1991 that Bill Grider had picked up the mail from the Weaver box for the previous three weeks. See Mays Trial Testimony, April 23, 1993, at 111-12. 121 Hearing Transcript, February 20, 1991, at 6-7. 122 Id. at 7. 123 FD-302 Interview of the Honorable Harold Ryan, November 9, 1993, at 1. 124 Id. at 2. 125 See Memo from T.A. Hummel to File, February 26, 1991 (hereinafter cited as "Hummel Memo") (Appendix at 9); FD-302 Interview of Terrence A. Hummel, October 19, 1993, at 2. 126 Hummel discussed the matter with Martin instead of Judge Ryan because Judge Ryan was travelling back from northern Idaho. See Hummel Memo, February 26, 1991. 127 Id. 128 See Memo from Evans to Perez, February 27, 1991, at 1 (Appendix at 11). 129 Hummel also discussed the letter with Richins, who was quite concerned about the error. When Richins asked if there was anything that he could do to correct the mistake, Hummel told him that he had handled the matter and had done everything that he could do. See Richins Trial Testimony, at 46-51. 130 See Hummel Memo, February 26, 1991; Hummel FD-302, November 12, 1993, at 1. 131 See Hummel Memo, February 26, 1991. 132 See Letter from T.A. Hummel to Everett Hofmeister, February 26, 1991 (Appendix at 10). 133 See Hummel Memo, February 26, 1991. 134 Memo from Evans to Perez, March 12, 1991, at 2. 135 Hummel FD-302, at 1. 136 FD-302 Interview of James L. Martin, October 23, 1991, at 4. See also, Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 49. 137 See Memo from Evans to Perez, February 27, 1991, at 1 (Appendix at 11) Evans Memo, at 1. Hunt testified at trial that Evans told him that law clerk Martin had informed him that the bench warrant was still in effect and that the Marshals Service "would proceed with our duty." Trial Testimony of David Hunt on May 3, 1993 at 73-75. A Marshals Service Daily Report dated February 28, 1991, which was an Addendum to the Enforcement Division Daily Report, provided an update on the Weaver matter. It stated that "[a] Federal judge in D/Idaho has ordered the USMS to have Weaver in court for his trial beginning March 11, 1991." This report also referred to preparations by Marshals Service to arrest Weaver on March 10, 1991 with the support of state and local police authorities. 138 See Memo from Evans to Perez, February 27, 1991, at 3; Hunt Trial Testimony, May 5, 1993, at 9-10. 139 Richins Trial Testimony 140 Howen cannot recall when or how he learned of the Richins letter although he knows it was after Weaver failed to appear on February 20th. See Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 44-45. 141 See Trial Testimony of Maurice Ellsworth, April 22, 1993, at 26-29. See also, Evans FD-302, at 1. Although Ellsworth did not recall Mays being a participant in this meeting, Mays testified at trial that he was present. See Mays Trial Testimony, May 5, 1993, at 2-3. On that same day, Evans and Deputy Marshall Jack Cluff had a telephone conference call with Ken Keller, the reporter from the Kootenai Valley Times. Keller told them that someone came into the newspaper office and stated that Randy Weaver, his wife and children, along with the Grider children, "are waiting at the Weaver cabin, and are prepared to make a final stand." Report of Investigation by Evans, February 28, 1991. 142 Ellsworth Trial Testimony, April 22, 1993, at 30; Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 42-44. 143 FD-302 of Maurice Ellsworth, October 29, 1993, at 2. Evans described the meeting as follows: The U.S. Attorney has determined that it is in the best interest of the Department of Justice to withhold any tactical approach to service of the warrant on Weaver until after March 20, 1991. The Bench Warrant will remain in effect. . . . The U.S. Attorney intends to indict Weaver on 3/12/91 for FTA but admits he will most probably be forced to dismiss the FTA indictment prior to any trial. Defense counsel for Weaver has been instructed by the Chief Judge to 'find your client and surrender him to the U.S. Magistrate in Northern Idaho'. . . . Memo from Evans to Perez, February 28, 1991, at 1 (Appendix at 12). 144 See Hunt Trial Testimony, May 3, 1993, at 66. 145 Id. at 66-67. 146 See Mays Trial Testimony, May 5, 1993, at 6-8. 147 A Marshal Service Special Operations Division document dated March 5, 1991 and entitled, "Significant Events," stated that after Evans spoke with the United States Attorney and the ATF case agent, it was decided "the district will delay the attempt to [sic] RANDALL C. WEAVER. . . . Chief Evans advised that WEAVER will be indicted on March 12, 1991, and arrested after March 20, 1991." 148 Hunt Trial Testimony, May 3, 1993, at 66-67. 149 See Evans Trial Testimony, May 5, 1993, at 63. 150 Law enforcement regarded the Griders as "more radical and dangerous than Weaver." See Addendum to Enforcement Division Daily Report, February 28, 1991, at 1. In May 1990, the Raus purchased land that the IRS had seized as a result of tax liens. Without the permission of the Raus, the Weavers assisted the Griders in moving into a cabin on this property. Thereafter, the Raus were forced to obtain a court order to evict the Griders from the cabin. See Incident Report of Boundary County Sheriff's Office, June 7, 1990. 151 Report of Investigation by Hunt, March 5, 1991, at 2. 152 Letter from the Weavers to "servant of the Queen of Babylon", March 5, 1991 (Appendix at 13). Mays prepared an analysis of the Biblical references in this letter and the earlier ones and concluded that "Weaver sees the court and USMS personnel as servants of the Queen of Babylon, those who serve her serve Satan." Report of Investigation by Mays, March 25, 1991, at 1-2. 153 Report of Investigation by Mays, March 6, 1991, at 2. 154 Memo from Evans to Perez, March 7, 1991, at 1. Michael Weland, a reporter for the Kootenai Valley Times who interviewed Weaver in May 1992, echoed this view. Weland believed that Vicki Weaver "would rather die along with her family in their cabin than subject herself and her family to the law enforcement agencies . .. . [T]hat would include committing suicide instead of surrendering." FD-302 Interview of Michael Weland, August 25, 1992, at 2. 155 Memo from Evans to Perez, March 7, 1991, at 1. 156 Threat Source Profile, March 7, 1991, at 3, 7-8, 15. 157 Report of Investigation by Hunt, March 11, 1991, at 1. 158 Memo from Evans to Perez, March 12, 1991, at 2. 159 Id. Vicki Weaver's parents, the Jordisons, visited the Weavers in April 1991. Afterwards, they reported to Evans that Weaver feared the government was planning to take his land away because he failed to go to court "for something he did not do." The Jordisons could offer no suggestions as to how the matter could be resolved peacefully. Report of Investigation by Evans, April 24, 1991, at 3-4. 160 FD-302 Interview of Michael Johnson, October 5, 1993, at 3. 161 Ellsworth Trial Testimony, April 22, 1993, at 33. 162 Id. at 34. 163 See Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 46. 164 Id., Tape 3, at 2-4 165 Id. at 3. 166 Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 45. In retrospect, Howen concluded that perhaps they should have sent Weaver a letter explaining the error although he remained convinced that Weaver did not intend to appear. Howen Interview, Tape 3, at 5. 167 Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 47; Tape 3, at 12-13. 168 Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 45-46. 169 Id. at 46. 170 Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 47-48; Tape 3, at 6, 10. 171 Howen Interview, Tape 3, at 6-7. Howen insisted that no one from the Marshals Service pressured the U.S. Attorney's office to indict Weaver in March. Id. at 20. 172 According to Ellsworth, while he was U.S. Attorney this was only the second case in which a bench warrant had been issued for a defendant failing to appear for trial. In both cases, his office had sought an indictment charging the failure to appear. Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 44-45. 173 See [G.J.] 174 See [G.J.] 175 [G.J.] 176 [G.J.] 177 [G.J.] 178 Former U.S. Attorney Ellsworth opined that he did not think that it was particularly appropriate for a Probation Officer to be talking with a member of the press under any circumstances. Ellsworth Interview, Tape 1, at 52. 179 [G.J.] 180 [G.J.] 181 [G.J.] 182 [G.J.] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED C.Efforts by the Marshals Service to Effect the Arrest of Weaver 1. Introduction It has been suggested that the shooting deaths of Marshal Degan and Sammy Weaver on August 21, 1992 were the result of a scheme by the Marshals Service to assault the Weaver property, or at the least, the result of inadequate planning. This inquiry examined the scope of the Marshals Service investigation between February 1991 and August 1992 and examined the options the marshals considered to effect the arrest of Weaver. 2. Statement of Facts a. Involvement of the Marshals Service Special Operations Group On March 18, 1991, Ronald Evans requested the assistance of the Marshals Service Special Operations Group ("SOG").183] SOG is a voluntary unit in the Marshals Service specifically trained to handle dangerous or complex matters, such as hostage situations involving fugitives.[FN184] Evans compared the Weaver situation to the violence surrounding the attempted arrest of Gordon Kahl when Evans was Chief Deputy of the North Dakota District.[FN185] He added that many days/nights of surveillance would be necessary to determine the Weavers' daily routine and asked for SOG assistance in determining how to arrest Weaver "while minimizing risk to all persons involved. . . . Ultimately, we must find a single weakness which will cause Randy Weaver to leave the house if only momentarily."[FN186] On March 23, 1991, Evans briefed SOG Commander John Haynes, Deputy Commander Louis E. Stagg, and other SOG personnel.[FN187] At that time, Stagg asked Evans about the pressure he was under to apprehend Weaver, and Evans replied that a "very senior Judge" was not going to tolerate delay in capturing Weaver.[FN188] It was tentatively agreed that an SOG reconnaissance team would travel to Idaho in mid-June to gather information for a plan to arrest Weaver. Haynes directed that Stagg lead the mission.[FN189] SOG also retained the services of Dr. Walter F. Stenning, Ph.D., a psychologist, to construct a psychological profile of Randy Weaver. Dr Stenning concluded: In my best professional judgement, Mr. Randall (sic) would be an extreme threat to any police officer's attempt to arrest (sic) him. Further, Mr. Randall (sic) has indoctrated (sic) his family into a belief system that the end of the world is near and that his family must fight the fences (sic) for evil that want to take over the world. I believe his family may fight to the death. If Mr. Randall (sic) is captured by your force, I feel the remaining members of the family will use all force necessary including deadly force to regain Mr. Randall's (sic) freedom. Also, all evidence indicates that the Randalls' (sic) home and surrounding property is defensively fortified to repel assault. In summary, my best professional judgement is that Mr. Randall (sic) and family will resist and have the means to resist all but a military type assault. Further, even with a military type assault the family will fight, possibly to the death. It seems most effective to wait until Mr. Randall (sic) leaves his house and is alone to make the arrest on the Federal warrant.[FN190] b. SOG Reconnaissance and Recommendations Between June 17 and 24, 1991, the SOG reconnaissance team assessed the Weaver case in Idaho. SOG Deputy Commander Staff was accompanied by Deputy Marshals Cody Thorpe and Larry Ely. They reviewed the files of the local marshals and met BATF agents, Forest Service representatives, the local sheriff, and others. BATF Agents Byerly and Kelly told them that "Weaver and his entire family will react violently to any attempt by the USMS to arrest Weaver and that Vicki Weaver and the children should be considered just as dangerous as Weaver." Kelly also reported that Weaver had plans to remove himself and his family to caves in the mountain. [FN191] Byerly speculated that Weaver might leave the property to attend the upcoming Aryan World Congress.[FN192] Sheriff Whittaker told the SOG reconnaissance team that he thought Weaver feared that the government would take his property through forfeiture of the bail bond and might kill his family in an assault to arrest him. In addition, Whittaker also told Staff that Weaver had threatened his neighbors, the Raus.[FN193] Whittaker, however, did not "completely share the assessment of other (law enforcement) agencies that Weaver is completely beyond rational reasoning and will fight to the death."[FN194] Stagg briefed Marshal Johnson and U.S. Attorney Ellsworth about his findings. He recommended against a tactical assault on the Weaver compound because of possible injury to the marshals and the women and children. Instead, it was his recommendation that the indictment be dismissed and then refiled later under seal. Staff also cautioned that an attack must be forceful to eliminate the risk of Weaver escaping into the woods, where he would pose more of a threat.[FN195] Thereafter, Stagg requested an opportunity to present his findings to Chief Judge Ryan but Ellsworth refused the request.[FN196] Stagg told Hunt that this "was the worse (sic) situation he had seen in 23 years."[FN197] The SOG team set forth its findings in a Law Enforcement Operations Order, which portrayed the situation as exceedingly difficult and Weaver as "extremely dangerous and suicidal." The team concluded that: Weaver has been preparing for five months [since his arrest by BATF] for his war or confrontation with law enforcement and it is very likely that he has established numerous fortifications and defensive positions on his property. It is also possible that Weaver has placed booby traps and/or command detonated explosive devices on routes of approach or concealment. The report set forth a proposal to arrest Weaver with "a minimal risk of loss of life" and "minimum force necessary to effect arrest." The proposed plan contemplated use of reconnaissance teams to determine whether Weaver could be arrested away from his residence, wife and children. If that were not feasible, the team would gather intelligence necessary to implement a "tactical movement" with armored vehicles.[FN198] Following the submission of the report, SOG took no additional action until Evans again requested SOG's assistance in effecting Weaver's arrest. On September 25, 1991, Evans wrote: Patience and negotiations have not been rewarded in the instant matter. We have communicated with the Weaver family through his family, friends, and his attorney. We have provided him with multiple opportunities to surrender to this office, the local sheriff, or to his court appointed counsel. . . . One option remains and should be exercised quickly. We still need to verify Weaver's existence on the property and test his dedication. In testing the latter, it must be done with a careful balance to limit and minimize risk to law enforcement, the Weaver family members, and to Randall Weaver. Without experimentation, we are stymied and without answers. . . . While time may have initially been on our side, it has now turned against us. We are within thirty days from being locked out of the area by climatic factors. If we avoid this opportunity, it will be May, to June, 1992 before any course of action can be initiated. I seriously doubt the court will reasonably wait until 1992 for the initial endeavor to serve the warrant. [FN199] Evans then asked that a team of SOG members be dispatched to the Weaver property to contact Randy Weaver. He envisioned their role as follows: They will be instructed to arrest Weaver without injury to themselves or any other person. If they determine that this cannot be accomplished without life threatening circumstances, they will be instructed to leave the immediate area without delay. ...[FN200] On September 28, 1991, a seven man SOG detail was dispatched to assist in arresting Weaver. However, upon arrival, the team concluded that "the information upon which the SOG move order was issued was inaccurate," and the plan to arrest Weaver was cancelled.[FN201] Thereafter, the team gathered additional information and learned that Vicki Weaver was pregnant and close to delivery. In addition, the team reported that Weaver was still on the mountain and that the situation was as dangerous as before. It also concluded that "it [was] very likely that any attempt to arrest Weaver at his property will result in an armed gun battle and subsequent loss of life."[FN202] On July 9, 1991, Deputy U.S. Marshal Cluff and Everett Hofmeister, Weaver's appointed counsel, told Rodney Willey, a Weaver associate, that if Weaver surrendered, the failure to appear charge might be dismissed.[FN203] They also told Willey that the sentence on the weapons offense would be minimal because Weaver did not have a criminal record. On July 10, Willey informed Hofmeister that Weaver would not surrender because "[his] rights will be violated."[FN204] In late September 1991, Hunt and Ely interviewed Beverly and Ed Torrence, who owned land adjacent to the Weaver property. The Torrences explained that they had encountered the Weavers a few days earlier when they had gone up to view their property. At that time, the Torrences drove near the Weaver house and stopped to ask about some property markers. The Weaver dogs came to their car, followed by Sammy Weaver, who called to the house. The Torrences then saw Randy Weaver and "Dennis" looking down on them from a rock outcropping.[FN205] Each held a rifle or shotgun. Thereafter, the Torrences were invited into the Weaver cabin where Randy and Vicki Weaver explained their religious and political views. Randy Weaver told the Torrences that the Aryans are the true chosen people of Yahweh and that the Jews are impersonators.[FN206] He claimed that a federal informant had introduced him to the Aryan Nations. Weaver also discussed the BATF arrest and that he was expecting federal agents to come to his home, but that he was not going to be arrested by anyone. According to Weaver, he and his family would shoot federal law enforcement officials who came on his property. "If they do take me, I'll take some with me," and that is "[w]hy we have the guns." Beverly Torrence observed that Weaver appeared "vehement in his belief that he would rather fight than go peaceable (sic)."[FN207] During this period, the marshals also received information that Weaver might attend the America's Promise Ministry, a suspected Aryan Nations church, in Sandpoint, Idaho. The Marshals Service began surveillance of the church, but Weaver was not seen.[FN208] d. Exchange of Surrender Terms On October 9, 1991, Deputy Marshal Mays interviewed Alan Jeppeson, who had been observed bringing supplies and mail to the Weaver cabin.[FN209] Mays asked Jeppeson to convey another negotiation offer to the Weavers. A series of exchanges followed. On October 12, 1991, Jeppeson gave Mays a letter from the Weavers which stated: The U.S. Government lied to me - why should I believe anything its servants have to say . . . . This situation was set up by a lying government informant whom your lawless courts will honor. Your lawless One World Beast courts are doomed. I have appealed to Yahweh's court of Supreme Justice. We will stay here separated from you & your lawless evil in obedience to Yahshua the Messiah.[FN210] Jeppeson told Hunt that Weaver did not want to be tried in Idaho "due to prejudice against those who believed in separation of the white race."[FN211] According to Jeppeson, Weaver might surrender, if the trial could be moved and if Jeppeson could remain with Weaver until he was released or sentenced.[FN212] Thereafter, the Marshals Service began to formulate a surrender offer. This offer included promises that: the government would not interfere with Vicki Weaver's custody of her children; [FN213] the Marshals Service would not harass Randy Weaver's family; and the Government would not move to forfeit Randy Weaver's property.[FN214] The following day, Jeppeson delivered a letter from Vicki Weaver, addressed to Mays and Hunt, that posed a number of questions, including: 1. Why a government informant or agent cannot be cross-examined by a defense attorney? 2. Why did the U.S. Dist. Judge in Coeur D'Alene tell [the Weavers] that if [they] lost [their] case [they] would lose the $10,000 bond to pay the attorney?[FN215] 3. Why is there a concerted effort to 'set up' for prison or murder all ex-green berets (Special Forces). My husband is an ex-green beret. We know there are those already in prison from 'set ups.' They all went to court expecting justice from the courts of the country they loved. They didn't receive any! (Emphasis in original.) Jeppeson told the marshals that he thought that Weaver would agree to meet Hunt. On October 16, 1991, Evans and Hunt gave Jeppeson a letter to give to Randy Weaver that responded to the questions Vicki Weaver had raised. Later that same day, Jeppeson gave Hunt a brief response signed by Vicki Weaver, which declared "[t]here is nothing to discuss. [Randy] doesn't have to prove he is innocent. Nor refute your slander."[FN216] e. Post-Negotiation Investigation In October 1991, Hunt and Evans drafted a letter to Weaver, for Marshal Johnson's signature, containing proposed surrender terms. They sent the letter to the USAO for review.[FN217] Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen rejected the proposal on October 15, 1992 and explained in a subsequent letter that: [I] cannot authorize further negotiations or discussions along this line with defendant or his agent for two reasons. First, since the defendant is represented by Everett C. Hofmeister, appointed counsel, all contact with the defendant must be through his lawyer and not by ex parte means. Department of Justice policy and the Cannons (sic) of Ethics prohibit direct or indirect contact with a defendant who is represented by counsel for any negotiation purpose. Second, the . . . areas of proposed negotiation are either not within my power to grant or bind the government, to (sic) broad in their scope, or are the type of matters properly addressed in a plea agreement in exchange for guilty pleas, but not mere surrender.[FN218] As a result of Howen's directive, the Marshals Service did not send the proposed letter. Following the termination of negotiations, Hunt continued to gather information. He determined that Weaver had "set an approximate 100 yard perimeter around his house" that gave him "high ground coverage of 360 degrees." Hunt described Weaver's routine: Weaver's tactics appear to be that he and [Kevin] Harris will cover any intruders [on the property] from a distance until they are identified....In most cases Weaver will send his son or Harris to investigate a situation while Weaver covers them. Weaver also has a very aggressive dog that will warn them if someone is approaching.[FN219] There was very little activity by the marshals on the Weaver matter through the winter months because the property was snowed in, and surveillance was not practical.[FN220] However, they continued to receive information about who was visiting the Weaver property. On March 1, 1992, the Spokesman Review, a newspaper in nearby Spokane, Washington, reported that Weaver's children were armed and quoted area residents who predicted violence if law enforcement agents attempted to apprehend Weaver. Allan Jeppeson was quoted as saying, "They'll lose their lives if they go up there and threaten Weaver" and "he don't want nobody on his mountain."[FN221] On March 4, 1992, Cluff and Evans traveled to the Rau house to obtain an update on Weaver's activities and to check on the status of a telephone being installed there at the Marshal Service's expense. Once there, Cluff and Evans decided to drive up the mountain road leading to the Weaver cabin.[FN222] They were in plain clothes and rode in an unmarked four-wheel drive vehicle. As they proceeded up the mountain road, the marshals found that vehicle noise on the unmaintained road was clearly audible for great distances. When they reached the top of the road, by the entrance to the Weaver property, they saw signs reading, "White Power is Supreme" and "Bow Down to Yahweh." Cluff and Evans then saw Randy Weaver, armed with a rifle, and a boy and a girl standing above them on a rock formation. The boy also had a rifle. A yellow dog ran up to the vehicle, barking.[FN223] When Weaver told them they were trespassing, they responded that they were interested in buying property. Weaver told them to return with a realtor. Cluff and Evans left.[FN224] Thereafter, Evans determined that additional reconnaissance was necessary. He had learned of previously unknown trails to the Weaver property and believed it was necessary to explore them. f. Briefing of the Marshals Service Director A meeting was held on March 27, 1992 at Marshals Service Headquarters to brief Acting Director Henry Hudson and other officials, including Duke Smith, Associate Director for Operations, Tony Perez, Chief of the Enforcement Division, Inspectors Arthur Roderick and William Hufnagel of the Enforcement Division, Deputy Marshals John Haynes and Lou Staff of SOG, and Marshal Johnson. At the meeting, Haynes and Stagg presented a plan for an assault on the Weaver compound, but recommended against taking such action. Hudson agreed that a tactical approach did not appear viable because of their concern for the safety of Vicki Weaver and her children.[FN225] As an alternative, Hudson telephoned U.S. Attorney Ellsworth and asked him to consider dismissing the warrant against Weaver and reissuing it under seal. Hudson thought this would relieved the pressure to arrest Weaver and might cause Weaver to believe it was safe to come off the mountain. Hudson explained to Ellsworth that Weaver could then be arrested without launching an assault on the compound and risking injury to the children and to government personnel. Ellsworth told Hudson that he thought it would be unethical to dismiss the indictment and then reindict Weaver in secret.[FN226] Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen said they could not dismiss the indictment because Judge Ryan was calling for Weaver's arrest. [FN227] In response, Hudson offered to travel to Boise to meet Judge Ryan, but his offer was not accepted.[FN228] Unable to resolve the matter in this fashion, Hudson ordered that any plan adopted should avoid potential harm to Vicki Weaver and the Weaver children. He believed that a "ruse" arrest would be ore likely to achieve this goal than an "operational" strategy.[FN229] Thereafter, the Weaver case was transferred to the Enforcement Division and was given the name "Operation Northern Exposure." The primary responsibility for developing a plan was given to Deputy Marshal Arthur Roderick, Branch Chief of the Enforcement Division.[FN230] g. Development of Three Phase Operational Plan After considerable discussion with the Idaho District and Headquarters, Roderick and Hufnagel devised a three phase plan for arresting Weaver. Under Phase I, a team of marshals would assess the feasibility of technical surveillance of the Weaver cabin and property.[FN231] This would necessitate inspection of the Weaver property to determine the surveillance equipment that could be used.[FN232] A team comprised of Roderick, Hufnagel, and Deputy U.S. Marshals Mark Jurgenson, Ron Libby, and Dave Hunt, was assembled to carry out Phase I.[FN233] (1) Phase I At the beginning of Phase I, Roderick rented a condominium on Schweitzer Mountain, approximately 25 miles from the Weaver property which was to serve as a command post. The team also spent several days conducting surveillance of the Weaver house from the north and west ridges and looking for sites on which to mount surveillance cameras. During this process, they observed the Weavers responding to certain noises by running with rifles to a rock ledge that overlooked the driveway.[FN234] On one occasion during Phase I, Roderick nearly had an encounter with Kevin Harris. While Roderick was in the woods near the north ridge observation post, he saw Harris ride nearby on a motorcycle and past the unmarked marshal's truck. When Roderick returned to the truck the tires on the truck were flat.[FN235] (2) Phase II On April 13, 1992, Roderick and Hufnagel briefed Acting Director Hudson on the results of Phase I of the plan to arrest Weaver.[FN236] While Hudson was shown photographs of the area, Hufnagel described the locations of surveillance cameras, which would provide information about the Weavers' daily routine. Information obtained from the surveillance cameras during Phase II was expected to assist the Marshals Service in developing options for Phase III of the plan, which was the arrest of Weaver.[FN237] In addition, Hudson was informed that the assistance of five additional marshals was needed for Phase II.[FN238] Acting Director Hudson approved Phase II on or about April 13, 1992. The Phase II Plan noted that Kevin Harris was now living in the Weaver cabin. Harris was described as "an ardent supporter of Weaver's [who] thinks of [Weaver] as his father."[FN239] On April 18, the marshals installed surveillance cameras on the west ridge and, on April 22, they installed the cameras on the north ridge. Soon thereafter the cameras became operational after a number of technical problems had to be solved.[FN240] The marshals had to make several trips to the camera sites, often in darkness, to bring the heavy batteries needed to power the cameras.[FN241] During Phase II, the team also made three trips onto the Weaver property to survey the terrain because little was known about the land surrounding the Weaver cabin. Each trip began before daybreak and the marshals used night vision equipment.[FN242] Although aerial photographs portrayed the land as flat, it was actually heavily wooded and frequently steep and rugged. The closest that the marshals got to the cabin was during the third trip in the first week of May. While it was still dark, Roderick, Hunt and Libby took the "East Trail," which ended behind the Weaver cabin. They then passed some water tanks a few yards from the cabin and worked their way down to the spring house by the lower garden. This was the first time any marshal had circled the Weaver house and viewed the surrounding grounds. While they were in the lower garden area, Libby spotted a small dog, who was "yapping", but who stopped when the marshals took cover.[FN243] During this period, Buster Kittel, a private citizen, went to the mountain to survey property he had recently purchased. To reach his property, he had to drive past the Weaver cabin. As he reached the Weaver driveway, Kittel heard a shot from a small caliber gun and saw Sammy Weaver standing above him with a rifle on a rock outcropping. Randy then joined Sammy, holding a pistol and a rifle. Weaver asked Kittel if he was a federal marshal and directed Kittel's girlfriend to get out of the truck. Weaver told Kittel that he did not believe that Kittel had bought property and told him to come back with proof. The next day Kittel returned with some paperwork, which he showed to Vicki Weaver. The Weavers then allowed Kittel to proceed to his property.[FN244] Video tapes produced from the surveillance cameras during Phase II were sent to Headquarters which had directed the cameras to continue to be operated. Because the batteries were running low, the marshals decided to replace them with solar panels, which were installed on May 1 and 2. Kevin Harris apparently heard the marshals working on the north ridge and was seen looking up at the area. A few days later the camera on the north ridge stopped transmitting. Upon investigation, Roderick and two other marshals discovered that the camera equipment had been stolen.[FN245] On April 13, 1992, the Marshals Service was informed that a crew from "Now It Can Be Told," a television program hosted by Geraldo Rivera, may have been shot at while flying over the Weaver property in a helicopter.[FN246] Two weeks later, Randy and Vicki Weaver were interviewed on May 2, 1992 by Michael Weland, a local newspaper reporter. Vicki said that the mountain had been given to them by "Yahweh" and that "We will not leave our mountain."[FN247] Weland also quoted Vicki as saying that her family feared that Randy would "be railroaded through the court and once he was gone [the government] would have come it, kicked us off the property and torn this place apart." Randy Weaver was quoted in the same article as stating that: "Right now, the only thing they can take away from us is our life. Even if we die, we win. We'll die believing in Yahweh."[FN248] (3) Transition to Phase III After Phase II of the operation had been completed, Roderick and Hufnagel developed two alternative plans for capturing Weaver, one "lethal," the other "non-lethal." Both proposals involved teams of marshals surrounding the cabin and forcing Weaver outside. The plans differed in that, under the "lethal" plan, the teams would be armed while under the "non-lethal" plan, they would use rubber bullets and other passive strategies, such as cutting off the water supply to the cabin.[FN249] Acting Director Hudson was briefed on the options for Phase III.[FN250] Deputy Attorney General George Terwilliger, who happened to be present at Headquarters, also attended the meeting. When Hudson asked what the marshals would do if the Weaver children fired at them, Roderick responded that they would defend themselves. Terwilliger found this "unacceptable."[FN251] Hudson rejected both the "lethal" and the "non-lethal" plans out of fear for the children's safety.[FN252] Thereafter, Roderick developed an undercover plan to arrest Weaver, which required two marshals to assume the roles of husband and wife and to purchase a plot of land north of the Weaver property. To provide security for the marshals, the land purchase would have legitimate paperwork. In addition, the undercover marshals would clear the property to create the impression that they were authentic purchasers. Five two-man teams would accompany the undercover marshals to the mountain on each visit and provide cover from the woods.[FN253] The plan assumed that Weaver would become accustomed to the undercover marshals, leading to an opportunity to arrest him out of the presence of the other family members. The marshals believed that it might take up to a year to secure Weaver's arrest.[FN254] Although final approval was needed from Acting Director Hudson, Roderick was given permission by Jim Roach, Deputy Director for Operations, in late May 1992, to begin preparations for the undercover operation. Roderick chose Deputy Marshal Mark Jurgensen of the Seattle office for the undercover role. Roderick, Jurgensen, and Hunt started assembling documents necessary to carry out the ruse.[FN255] h. Delay in Implementing the Undercover Operation Roderick was instructed not to put the undercover plan into effect while Hudson's confirmation was pending before the U.S. Senate.[FN256] In early August 1992, Hudson was confirmed Director of the Marshals Service and gave oral approval of the undercover operation shortly thereafter.[FN257] Because there had been no surveillance of the Weaver property since May, Roderick thought it necessary for a team to visit the site and update their information.[FN258] 3. Discussion A number of allegations has been raised about the conduct of the Marshals Service between February 1991 and August 1992. We examine in this section these allegations. a. The Initial Response of the Marshals Service to Weaver's Failure to Appear Before the failure to appear indictment was returned, Judge Ryan issued a bench warrant and directed the Marshals Service to arrest Weaver. Judge Ryan declined to withdraw the warrant when he learned that the Probation Office had sent Weaver a letter with an incorrect trial date. After the indictment was returned, Ellsworth rebuffed Hudson's request to dismiss the indictment and return it under seal. We appreciate the problem the Marshals Service faced. It could not ignore the Court's order or the indictment and, thus, had no choice but to take steps to apprehend Weaver to face the pending charges. Indeed, Former Director Hudson has explained that the Marshals Service has no independent role in evaluating charges when it is called upon to apprehend a fugitive.[FN259] In addition, this investigation has found that simply leaving Weaver on the mountain, despite its facial appeal, was not an option available to the Marshals Service once charges had been instituted.[FN260] Moreover, the marshals had a legitimate concern that the Weavers were harassing their neighbors, the Raus. Indeed, by August 1992, it was feared that if Weaver were allowed to remain at large, there would be an incident in which the Raus, or other innocent problems, might be harmed.[FN261] Notwithstanding the need to apprehend Weaver, it appears at initial glance that the resources the marshals committed to the case were disproportionate to the relatively insignificant underlying charge.[FN262] However, at the same time, we recognize that no one, including Randy Weaver, is entitled to ignore the rule of law. Thus, all factors considered, we acknowledge that the Marshals Service had no option but to respond. Because the Marshals Service had no option but to pursue Weaver's arrest and because that arrest posed possible injury to law enforcement and to the Weavers, it was incumbent on other law enforcement agencies and the court to assist the Marshals Service in resolving the impasse. As we note below, the Marshals Service received little practical assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office which also hindered communications with the court. We are troubled that no agency or individual took action in response to the concerns of the Marshals Service. b. Considerations by Marshals Service of Alternatives to Secure the Arrest of Weaver The Marshals Service employed many different options for securing Weaver's arrest before settling on a plan in May 1992. The record is replete with discussions of proposals made by different components of the Marshals Service. Its approach was extraordinarily cautious. Common to each strategy the Service considered was a concern for the safety of the Weaver children and the arresting marshals. For this reason, a tactical approach, that is, an armed raid on the residence, was considered unrealistic by Idaho marshals as early as March 1991. The Special Operations Group reached the same conclusion in June 1991 and again in September 1991 after reviewing a psychological profile of Weaver and conducting its own investigation in Northern Idaho.[FN263] In March 1992, Director Hudson ruled out any "tactical" or "operational" strategy that did not eliminate the possibility of harm to Vicki Weaver or her children. Hudson even rejected a "non-lethal" tactical plan, which contemplated the use of rubber bullets, because it involved an assault on the cabin and, therefore, posed a potential danger to the children.[FN264] The problem of "innocent casualties" arose out of a mass of evidence that Weaver and his family were armed and determined not to submit to authorities without a fight. For example, BATF informed the marshals that Weaver had resisted its "ruse" arrest in December 1990, had attempted to grab a weapon during the arrest, and had declared that he would not be tricked again. BATF had also reported that Weaver and his family were armed "at all times" and could present a danger to arresting officers. Additional information collected by BATF suggested that Weaver thought the end of the world was approaching and that he was prepared for a final battle on his property. Weaver's military record revealed that he may have received demolition training, and the marshals feared that he had established fortifications and defensive positions on his property.[FN265] Weaver also had written to the Boundary County Sheriff that he would not leave his cabin and that law enforcement agents would have to take him out.[FN266] The "Queen of Babylon" letter sent to U.S. Attorney Ellsworth had quoted a "Declaration of War" by a white supremacist who had died in a violent confrontation with law enforcement officers. Frank Kumnick, the leader of a local Aryan Nations church and a friend of Randy Weaver, had told Mays that Weaver spoke of having a violent confrontation with the law since 1984 and that Vicki and Randy Weaver had "ideas of martyrdom."[FN267] In addition, there were reports that the Weaver children were well trained in the use of firearms and would protect their father if an arrest were attempted on the property.[FN268] Surveillance showed that the Weavers responded to the noise of approaching vehicles by running with rifles to a rock ledge.[FN269] Various intermediaries had reported that Weaver repeatedly said that he would not leave his property and that he would shoot intruders if he thought it necessary to protect his family. Finally, the Weavers signed a letter stating that the Weaver children would not leave the mountain.[FN270] This list illustrates the data the Marshals Service had collected and is by no means exhaustive. We found no countervailing evidence that Weaver would surrender peacefully. Accordingly, we believe that the wariness of the Marshals Service was justified. In addition, we believe that the caution of the Marshals Service also stemmed from its experience with Gordon Kahl, the head of Posse Comitatus. When the Marshals Service attempted to arrest Kahl in 1983, a firefight erupted in which two marshals were killed and Kahl and his son were wounded.[FN271] Chief Deputy Ron Evans was Chief Deputy of the North Dakota District when the Kahl incident occurred and compared the Weaver matter to the Kahl case.[FN272] In view of the disadvantages attending a "tactical" approach, the marshals began to explore "non-tactical" alternatives. In March 1991, Evans discussed sending a negotiator to the Weaver cabin under a "white flag." However, the approach was abandoned because it was believed that Weaver would "fire on any law enforcement officer or agent of [the Zionist Organized Government]."[FN273] Both the Special Operations Group and Director Hudson asked U.S. Attorney Ellsworth to dismiss the indictment against Weaver and to re-issue it under seal to reduce the pressure to arrest Weaver and to trick him into leaving his property so that he could be arrested without risk to the children. Ellsworth and Howen refused Hudson's request.[FN274] The marshals also pursued information that Weaver might leave his property to attend a suspected Aryan Nations church. The marshals began surveillance of the church but Weaver did not appear.[FN275] Beginning in October 1991, Mays and Evans initiated a series of communications with Randy Weaver through various intermediaries, such as the Jeppesons, Griders, and Vicki's parents, the Jordisons. The marshals and Weaver also exchanged surrender terms. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen ended these discussions in October 1992, directing that all communication with Weaver be through his counsel. The "non-tactical" arrest plan that Director Hudson finally approved in the Summer of 1992 was passive almost in the extreme. Indeed, the marshals were willing to wait up to a year for an undercover marshal to gain Weaver's trust. Under this plan, "cover" teams of marshals would arrest Weaver only if he could be taken into custody without harm to his family.[FN276] We do not believe that the Marshals Service acted precipitously or unreasonably in developing its plan to arrest Weaver. The Marshals Service examined many alternatives in devising its course of action. Some options were foreclosed by other agencies; others were thought to be too dangerous. The Marshals Service eventually decided to pursue a non-tactical arrest which posed the least threat of physical violence. However, the Marshals Service recognized that with any plan that it considered, a potential risk of violence existed considering Weaver's threats to resist arrest violently. c. Pressure Exerted on Marshals Service to Arrest Weaver This investigation also examined whether the manner in which the Marshals Service treated the charges against Weaver was affected by improper, external influences. (1) The Court Judge Ryan issued a bench warrant for Weaver's arrest following his failure to appear for trial. When he learned a week later that Pretrial Services had sent Weaver a letter bearing an incorrect trial date, Judge Ryan declined to withdraw the warrant. Judge Ryan, who characterized Weaver as "just another case," told this investigation that he was satisfied that Weaver knew of the February 20 trial date. According to Judge Ryan, it was routine for him to issue a bench warrant when defendants did not appear for trial.[FN277] Judge Ryan denies pressuring the Marshals Service to arrest Weaver. He explained that he already had a full caseload and "was in no hurry to get Weaver arrested." In fact, Judge Ryan said that he thought scarce judicial resources were being wasted on the large number of gun cases brought in federal court and, in particular, he complained about undercover "sting" cases involving firearms. Judge Ryan recalled a few casual conversations with Evans about the Weaver case and once spoke "in jest to Evans [about] when was he going to get his job done," in reference to executing the Weaver bench warrant. However, he claimed that he did not urge anybody "to hurry up and get Weaver before the court."[FN278] Deputy Marshals Hunt and Evans do not believe that the Court exerted undue pressure on the Service,[FN279] and we have found little or no evidence to the contrary. (2) The Media The marshals were sensitive to public opinion about the Weaver case. Several marshals were concerned about the public perception of the marshals and Weaver in Northern Idaho. In October 1991, Hunt wrote: Weaver is losing support locally from his friends and associates. They believe he is becoming very paranoid and suspects everyone is informing on him. The USMS is receiving growing support in the way that we have handled this situation. The community seems to be impressed with the USMS not over reacting and their concerns for the safety of all involved. An approach of even handiness (sic) and concern has began (sic) to impress even hard core Aryan types.[FN280] In March 1992, an article appeared in the Spokesman Review, a newspaper in nearby Spokane, Washington, marking the one-year anniversary of the bench warrant. The Chicago Tribune published a similar article on the same day, which described Weaver as a "folk hero" holding the Marshals Service at bay.[FN281] According to Evans, "pressure from USMS headquarters to effect the arrest of Weaver increased substantially after these two articles."[FN282] He did not believe, however, that Headquarters compelled the marshals to take actions that placed the Weavers or the marshals in undue danger, and this investigation has uncovered no evidence to the contrary.[FN283] Indeed, this regard for local sentiment does not seem to have had a significant impact on the marshals' handling of the case. If anything, it made them more leery of proceeding precipitously. (3) The U.S. Attorney's Office The USAO, in particular U.S. Attorney Ellsworth and Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen, played a large role in shaping the Marshals Service's approach to arresting Weaver. However, Ellsworth and Howen did little, if anything, to facilitate the marshals' assignment. To the contrary, in more than one instance, they made decisions or took actions that made the marshals' task more difficult. (i) Halting Negotiations In October 1991, Mays and Evans began a series of communications with Weaver through intermediaries and exchanged terms of surrender with him. Howen directed the marshals to discontinue contact with Weaver because he was represented by counsel, thus, effectively foreclosing communication. Although we are not convinced that these negotiations would have been successful if pursued, we find that Howen's decision was erroneous and unduly hampered the marshals' efforts. Howen's statement that contacts with a represented person are prohibited are accurate but incomplete. For example, Disciplinary Rule 7-104(A)(1) of the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility and its successor, Rule 4.2 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, provide that an attorney shall not communicate with a party represented by counsel, unless the attorney has the consent of counsel or is "authorized by law." [FN284] The disciplinary rules have long recognized exceptions to the general prohibition against contacts with represented persons such as to determine if the person is in fact represented by counsel or when counsel has been given prior notice of the communication and consents.[FN285] Howen overlooked these exceptions to the general rule and, in effect, terminated negotiations with Weaver. It was apparent by the Autumn of 1991 that Weaver was not cooperating with his appointed counsel who nine months earlier had told Judge Ryan that he was unsuccessful in contacting Weaver.[FN286] Prior to this time Hofmeister had continued to try to assist the marshals in apprehending Weaver. In July 1991, he met with them and Rodney Willey, an associate of Weaver, in an effort to spur negotiations. On July 10, 1991, Hofmeister wrote Weaver and explained that the firearms charge was relatively minor and that he thought Weaver had a good defense to the charge. Hofmeister added, "the 'cause' in which you believe does not justify the damage you do to yourselves, because the offense Randy is charged with is not much greater than many traffic offenses.[FN287] Hofmeister reported to the marshals that soon after sending this letter he received two letters from Vicki Weaver, in which she state that they were resolute as it was "Yashua's plan" that they live or die on the mountain.[FN288] Hofmeister also contacted Richard Butler, leader of a local Aryan Nations Church, and requested that Butler write a note to Randy Weaver asking Weaver to come down from the mountain and face the weapons charge. [G.J.] [FN289] Notwithstanding these efforts, Weaver still would not talk to Hofmeister, and Hofmeister eventually refused to visit Weaver unless he had an armed escort.[FN290] Weaver even said that he would not surrender to Hofmeister because "[his] rights will be violated."[FN291] Despite these clear indications that Weaver did not want Hofmeister's services, Howen adopted a rigid approach to the issue and considered Hofmeister to be Weaver's counsel until he was relieved by the court in September 1992 after Weaver's surrender. Furthermore, Howen never spoke with Hofmeister about the matter or explored whether Hofmeister would consent to the contact by the Marshals Service.[FN292] Howen was apparently unwilling to explore alternatives that might have led to discussions with Weaver. For instance, he could have instructed the marshals to ask Hofmeister's permission to communicate directly with Weaver. This is not to say that additional exchanges would have been fruitful.[FN293] However, given the gravity of the situation, options that might have promoted a dialogue should not have been disregarded. Howen was aware of the difficulties the Marshals Service faced in capturing Weaver, but, in the face of this evidence, her remained hostile to the negotiation option. His rigid response to the Marshals Service's proposal was deceptively incomplete and effectively frustrated the Marshals Service's efforts.[FN294] Finally, Howen's statement that some of the surrender terms proposed by Hunt and Evans were more appropriate for inclusion in a plea agreement appears disingenuous. There is no evidence that Howen ever discussed devising such an agreement with Weaver's attorney or with anyone else. Indeed, the evidence is to the contrary since Howen told this investigation that it was not his practice to engage in plea bargaining.[FN295] (ii) Other Actions In June 1991, U.S. Attorney Ellsworth discouraged Deputy Director Stagg of the Marshals Services SOG from apprising Judge Ryan of the considerable danger his team faced in arresting Weaver. In March 1992, Director Hudson asked Ellsworth to consider dismissing the warrant against Weaver and reissuing it under seal. Hudson explained that the marshals thought an assault on the Weaver residence would pose unacceptable risk of injury to the Weaver children and Marshals Service personnel. Ellsworth and Howen refused to discuss the indictment, citing Judge Ryan's call for the arrest of Weaver. When Hudson offered to speak to Judge Ryan, Ellsworth did not respond to the offer. We are troubled that the prosecutors so lightly dismissed the offer by the Director of the Marshals Service to speak with Judge Ryan. Indeed, we question their judgment in rebuffing the Director's personal effort to break the year-long impasse. Neither Ellsworth nor Howen advised Judge Ryan of the Marshals Service's concerns. Such inaction on their part was neither reasonable nor well considered under the circumstances. d. Impact of Delay Pending Hudson Confirmation The plan to apprehend Weaver was delayed for three months pending the confirmation of Henry Hudson as the Marshals Service Director. The reconnaissance team expressed frustration over the delay [FN296] because some believed the delay caused a gap in their surveillance intelligence. However, the pending confirmation did not appear to be the only reason for the August reconnaissance mission. Indeed, Roderick and Cooper believed that additional surveillance was necessary to find locations for "cover" teams for the undercover operation.[FN297] The Executive Operational Plan also suggested that surveillance was necessary to place cover teams, an essential component of the undercover plan. Furthermore, Hudson told this inquiry that his approval of the undercover plan was "contingent on the results of the latest surveillance," which was the August 1991 trip to the mountain.[FN298] Consequently, we conclude that the delay occasioned by Hudson's confirmation did not cause the need for additional surveillance but rather, at the most, altered the timing of surveillance that would have been necessary to conduct in any event. 4. Conclusion The Marshals Service is required by statute to execute arrest warrants. Consequently, once a warrant was issued for Randy Weaver's arrest, the Marshals Service had no choice but to undertake efforts to apprehend Weaver. Faced with Weaver's repeated threats to violently resist arrest, the Marshals Service explored many alternative plans designed to capture Weaver, but to do so without harming Weaver, his family or the arresting officers. We believe that the Marshals Service acted properly and with due caution in pursuing this purpose. Moreover, we found no evidence that the Marshals Service was pressured by outside entities or was improperly motivated in its efforts. We find, however, that the court and the U.S. Attorney's Office did not appreciate the difficulties facing the Marshals Service, and made no effort to assist the Marshals Service in devising a peaceful solution to the problem. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART C) 183 Memo from Ronald Evans to "Duke" Smith, March 18, 1991, at 1. Evans noted that "[d]uring limited occasions when the children have come into controlled contact with other children, they have advocated their parents' doctrine including preparation for the 'Final War' which will be fought on their mountain." Id. Frank Kumnick reported that he had heard Weaver speak of violent confrontations with law enforcement since 1984, that the Weavers had "ideas of martyrdom," and that the Weaver children were all trained in the use of firearms and would protect their father. Report of Investigation by Mays, October 16, 1991, at 2. 184 Testimony of Arthur Roderick, Preliminary Hearing, United States v. Weaver, No. MS-3934, September 10, 1992, at 11-13. 185 Kahl was head of a militant anti-tax group, Posse Comitatus. He was wanted for a probation violation when U.S. Marshals, along with local authorities, attempted to arrest him. A firefight erupted in which two marshals were killed and Kahl and his son were wounded. Kahl evaded arrest following the shooting, but was later killed in a confrontation with authorities. A local sheriff was also killed. "Radical Tax Protester's Legacy Lives," UPI, July 9, 1983; untitled article by Gordon Hanson, Associated Press, February 14, 1983; FD-302 Interview of Evans, October 21, 1993, at 4. Weaver and Kahl "share[d] similar commitment to principle . . . [and] raised their children in a similar fashion. . . ." Memo from Evans to Smith, March 18, 1991, at 1. 186 Evans suggested interrupting the Weavers' water supply. Aerial photography showed that "Weaver does not have a large storage ability for water inside the house . . . . At some point he must endeavor [to] locate the source of the disruption." Id. at 2. On March 21, 1991, Hunt asked Sheriff Whittaker if the marshals could get a state court order to remove the children, but decided that such measures were not feasible and "guaranteed confrontation." Undated U.S. Marshals Service Summary of Chronology of Events. Hunt suspected that someone in the Sheriff's Department was leaking information about the Weaver case. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 8. The inquiry about the Weaver children may have gotten back to the Weavers. In April 1991, Randy and Vicki Weaver told Vicki's father, David Jordison, that they were afraid of being separated from the children by the government. Report of Investigation by Evans, April 24, 1991, at 3.@ 187 FD-302 Interview of John Haynes, October 20, 1993; Memo from Ronald Evans to Duke Smith and Roger Arechiga, April 1, 1991. 188 Stagg characterized Evans' response as "a standard on which is used when one is trying to obtain SOG assistance on a priority basis." FD-302 Interview of Louis E. Stagg, October 21, 1993, at 2. 189 Haynes FD-302, October 20, 1993, at 2. 190 Report of Dr. Walter J. Stenning, May 13, 1991. Dr. Stenning appears to have relied on information already amassed and did not conduct an independent investigation. 191 SOG Special Assignment Log, (June 20, 1991 entry). The log details the daily activities during the trip, but is itself undated. No caves were discovered on the property following Randy Weaver's surrender in August 1992. 192 Id. The Congress was scheduled for July 13, 1991 at Hayden Lake, Idaho. Byerly had information that Weaver's first telephone call following his arrest on the weapons charge was to Richard Butler of the Aryan Nations. 193 In Summer 1992, Whittaker instructed his deputies to stay away from the Weaver property out of concern for their safety. FD- 302 Interview of Whittaker, November 20, 1993, at 4. 194 Marshal Service Activity Report, June 17-24, 1991 (June 21, 1991 entry). 195 Stagg FD-302, at 4-5. The SOG team discussed Evans' proposal for a clandestine operation to arrest Weaver, in which marshals would pose as prospective purchasers of real estate adjacent to the Weaver property. The SOG would arrest Weaver, if he left the house to show the property. Staff thought it would be impossible for SOG to provide the necessary cover in mountainous terrain. Notes of SOG meeting on June 17 & 18, 1991; Stagg FD-302, at 5. 196 Stagg told Ellsworth that if SOG were forced to carry out an assault and something went wrong, he would say that SOG's actions "were at the insistence of [U.S. Attorney] Ellsworth's office." Stagg FD-302, at 5. 197 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 10. 198 USMS/SOG "Law Enforcement Operations Order," June 25, 1991, at 6. The report recommended that no contact be made with any local law enforcement prior to commencement of an operation to apprehend Weaver. No reason was given. However, the marshals were concerned about the "loyalties" of members of the Sheriff's Department, though Sheriff Whittaker himself was not suspected. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 8. Whittaker told this investigation that he operated on a "need to know basis within his department with respect to information received from the marshals about the Weaver case. Whittaker FD-302, at 3. 199 Memo from Ronald Evans to Duke Smith and Tony Perez, September 25, 1991, at 2. 200 Id. 201 Report of Investigation, September 29, 1991. The report itself is not dated, but a Fax cover sheet identifies it as "report of September 29." 202 Report of Investigation, September 29, 1991, at 1, 4-5. Mays contacted a local hospital and OB-GYN practitioners, who agreed to notify them if they were contacted by Vicki Weaver. USMS Item Activity Report, October 9, 1991. Hunt later determined that Randy Weaver would deliver the baby. Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 22, 1991, at 1. 203 Willey told them that there were "guns everywhere you looked inside the [Weaver] cabin" and that the Weavers were sleeping in shifts and taking turns performing guard duty. Report of Investigation by Cluff, July 10, 1991, at 2. 204 Id. By letter, dated August 23, 1991, U.S. Marshal Michael L. Johnson asked Weaver to contact him to resolve the situation. The postmaster reported that someone picked the letter up on September 4, 1991. Memo from Susan M. Thompson to Dave Hunt, September 5, 1991. 205 The Torrences identified a photograph of Kevin Harris as the person they believed they heard Weaver call "Dennis." Report of Investigation by Mays, October 7, 1991; Transcript of Interview of Beverly and Ed Torrence, September 29, 1991, at 7, 22 (hereinafter cited as "Torrence Interview). 206 Torrence Interview, at 23. 207 Weaver also said that Terry Kinnison, Sam Strongblood Woholi, and others were conspiring to kill him so that Kinnison could take his property. Id. at 26. FD-302 Interview of Beverly Torrence, December 22, 1993. 208 USMS Item Activity Report, October 10, 12 & 13, 1991. Hunt learned from the FBI that Weaver had only limited involvement with the Aryan Nations. Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 8, 1991, at 1. 209 Various people were believed to be taking supplies to the Weavers, including the Griders, the Jeppesons, and Vicki Weaver's parents, the Jordisons. Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 10, 1991; Report by Mays, October 12, 1991; Torrence Interview, at 36. 210 This note was unsigned, but all correspondence (unless otherwise identified) was in Vicki Weaver's handwriting. 211 In an October 11, 1991 letter to her cousin, Ronald Jordison, Vicki Weaver wrote, "Race mixing is against the law." FD-302 Interview of Ronald Jordison, August 27, 1992. 212 Memo from Hunt to Evans, October 12, 1991, at 1; Report of Investigation by Mays, October 12, 1991, at 3. 213 Evans learned of this concern during a conversation with Vicki Weaver's father, David Jordison. Jordison told Evans that during a visit with the Weavers in early April, "Randy and Vicki voiced concern for becoming separated during the legal process and expressed commitment to remain together no matter what the Government did. This commitment was expressed to include the children." Report of investigation by Evans, April 24, 1991, at 3; Memo from Ronald Evans to Duke Smith, Tony Perez, John Haynes and Lou Stagg, May 7, 1991, at 2. In July 1991, Hofmeister sent a letter to the Weavers assuring them that the children would not be taken from Vicki, provided she did not use violence against anyone. Letter from Everett D. Hofmeister, to Mr. & Mrs. Randy Weaver, July 10, 1991, at 1. 214 Memo from Hunt to Evans, October 12, 1991. Jordison told Evans that Randy and Vicki believed that Randy had "signed a bond which would allow the Government to take his land and he therefore was not going to leave his property." Report of Investigation by Evans, April 24, 1991, at 2. 215 Magistrate Judge Ayers had explained to Weaver that he would forfeit the property bond only if he failed to appear for trial. Arraignment Transcript, January 18, 1991, at 10-11. Weaver's attorney, Hofmeister, also explained to Weaver that the bond would be forfeited only if Weaver failed to appear in court. Letter from Everett D. Hofmeister, Esq. to Mr. & Mrs. Randy Weaver, July 10, 1991, at 1. 216 Around this time, the marshals learned that Weaver believed that the highest authority in Northern Idaho was the county sheriff and that federal authorities had no jurisdiction over him. Report of Investigation by Mays, October 10, 1991, at 2 (Interview with Sam Strongblood Woholi). 217 Hunt Trial Testimony, May 5, 1993, at 2-9. 218 Letter from Howen to Evans and Hunt, October 17, 1992 (Appendix at 21). 219 Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 22, 1991, at 1-2. Hunt concluded that Weaver had apparently not set "booby traps." 220 Memo from Evans to Smith, March 18, 1991; FD-302 Interview of Michael Moriarty, November 18, 1993, at 3. 221 "Feds Have Fugitive 'Under Our Nose'," Spokesman Review (Spokane), March 1, 1992, at A1. On the same day, an article in the Chicago Tribune described Weaver as a "folk hero" holding the Marshals Service at bay. One week later, the story was picked up by the Associated Press, and articles appeared in the New York Times ("Marshals Know He's There But Leave Fugitive Alone," New York Times, March 13, 1992, at A14) and the San Francisco Chronicle ("U.S. Slow to Nab White Supremacist," San Francisco Chronicle, March 13, 1992). On March 27, 1992, the San Francisco Examiner reprinted the March 8, 1992 Chicago Tribune article ("Standoff With Police Enters Second Year, San Francisco Examiner, March 27, 1992). 222 Evans described the decision to drive to the Weaver property as spontaneous. He said they had no intention of making contact with the Weavers. Evans Trial Testimony, May 3, 1993, at 35. 223 Ruth Rau told Cluff and Evans that the dog had attacked a boy walking along a trail and that Randy Weaver had beaten the dog. Report of Investigation by Evans, March 6, 1992, at 3. 224 Id. at 1-2; Evans Trial Testimony, May 3, 1993, at 50-55. 225 Sworn Statement of William Hufnagel, at 1; FD-302 Interview of Henry Hudson, November 15, 1993, at 2. 226 FD-302 Interview of Michael Johnson, October 5, 1993, at 4. 227 Howen did not recall speaking with Hudson and said that he was not aware that Hudson had made such a request. Howen Interview, Tape 3, at 25. Hudson reported that Ellsworth deferred the majority of the speaking to Howen. Hudson FD-302, at 2. 228 Hudson FD-302, at 2-3. 229 Id. at 2. 230 Id. Hudson said that it was not unusual for Marshals Service Headquarters to assume jurisdiction over difficult cases. 231 Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 2; Sworn Statement of Arthur Roderick (draft), at 5. 232 Executive Operational Plan (Phase I), March 27, 1992, at 1; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 5-6; Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 2. 233 Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 2. The "Executive Operational Plan" (Phase I), said that Deputy Marshal Frank Norris would conduct a medical survey for the operational plan. Norris told this investigation that it was common for a medic to go on an operation in a remote mountain area. However, Deputy Marshal Ron Libby was sent on the mission instead of Norris. Sworn Statement of Frank Norris, at 2. 234 The marshals also noticed a marine band radio antenna on the Weaver cabin. They brought in a radio monitor to determine whether Weaver was communicating by short wave radio. Report of Investigation by Roderick, April 2, 1992; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 7-11. The plan for Phase II contemplated jamming radio communications from or to the Weaver cabin during the arrest. Executive Operational Plan (Phase II), April 10, 1992, at 2 (hereinafter cited as "Phase II Plan"). Terry Kinnison told the Secret Service in 1985 that Weaver had military radio equipment and possibly a police scanner. See Kinnison FD-302, January 21, 1985 and February 5, 195. During Phase I, Roderick and the other marshals looked into rumors that Weaver had worked for the Central Intelligence Agency while in Vietnam as a member of the Special Forces. They found these rumors to be false. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 11. 235 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 10, 1993, at 243-44; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 10. Roderick thought that foliage made it impossible for Harris to see them. He also thought it was possible that the flat tires may have been caused by something in the road he struck earlier. Id. at 10. 236 Daily Report, April 10, 1992. 237 The cameras, which operated on batteries, would provide "real-time" recordings of the Weaver residence and would run during the daylight. Phase II also contemplated the use of pen registers on the telephones of various Weaver associates. Phase II Plan, at 1; Report of Investigation by Roderick, April 4, 1992. 238 Six marshals were already on site: Hufnagel, Libby, Hunt, Mays, Roderick, and Lynda Nafsinger. Phase II Plan, at 7-8. 239 Phase II Plan, at 2. 240 A surveillance post was set up on the Rau property to monitor the video tapes. The post was manned 24 hours a day. Daily Report, April 20, 1992. 241 Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 4. 242 During the first trip on April 27, 1992, the marshals reached the lower garden area below the Weaver compound. They had to leave, however, when their night vision equipment failed. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 12. On the second trip on April 22, Roderick and Libby located a spot of the west ridge close enough to the compound to see and hear the Weavers talking with Buster Kittel. They also observed someone named Murphy bringing the Weavers supplies. Id. at 13; Report of Investigation by Hunt, April 22, 1992, at 1. 243 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 14. 244 [G.J.] 245 Report of Investigation by Hunt, May 5, 1992; Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 5; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 14-15. Roderick had feared that something like this might occur and had warned Marshals Service Headquarters that they were sending the surveillance team into the area too often. Id. The charred remains of the camera equipment were found near the Weaver house after Weaver surrendered to authorities on August 31. 246 On April 14, a film crew told the marshals that they might fly over the Weaver property. Daily Report, April 14, 1992. An assistant to the producer of "Now It Can Be Told" said that a helicopter flew over the cabin on April 18. FD-302 Interview of Richard Weiss, September 11 & 18, 1992, but said in an August 1992 interview that no shots had been fired. However, a photographer in the helicopter saw someone gesture at the helicopter and thought he heard two shots on a boom microphone. FD-302 Interview of Dave Marlin, September 16, 1992. Weaver denied that anyone had shot at the helicopter. "Fugitive: No Surrender," Coeur D'Alene Press, May 3, 1992, at 1. Mays reported seeing a helicopter near the Weaver property, but did not hear any shots fired. Report of Investigation by Mays, April 18, 1992, at 1. 247 FD-302 Interview of Michael Weland, August 25, 1992, at 2; Daily Report, May 4, 1992. 248 "Fugitive: No Surrender," Coeur D'Alene Press, May 3, 1992, at 1. 249 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 17; Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 6; Executive Operational Plan (Draft), May 20, 1992. 250 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 16. 251 Sworn Statement of Larry Cooper, March 7, 1994, at 5. FD- 302 Interview of Tony Perez, November 16, 1993, at 6. 252 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 16; Hudson FD-302, at 3. 253 SOG would provide the cover teams because the Enforcement Division had limited manpower and SOG had the training and equipment for this kind of mission. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18. 254 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 17; Hufnagel Sworn Statement, at 7. Executive Operational Plan, May 27, 1992, at 4. 255 Hunt had information that Weaver had contacts with law enforcement officers. Jurgensen, therefore, felt it necessary to create a detailed history for his assumed persona, including a citation for a moving violation under his assumed name. Sworn statement of Mark Jurgensen, at 7. Roderick believed that a member of SOG should participate in the undercover operation and, therefore, asked Deputy Marshal Larry Cooper if he would be willing to take part in assessing the undercover operation. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18. Cooper had recently left the Special Operations Group, and he and Roderick had known each other for many years. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 2-3. 256 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18. Hudson had decided that the plan would not go forward until he had been confirmed. Hudson FD-302, at 4. This decision does not appear to have been based on operational concerns. 257 Roderick reported that he was in Washington, D.C. with Tony Perez and ran into the Director. Hudson told Roderick "let's go get 'em." Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18. On August 13, 1992, Perez sent Duke Smith a handwritten note: "We're ready to go as of Monday, August 17, 1992." 258 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18; Jurgensen Sworn Statement, at 8-9. 259 Hudson FD-302, at 3. Roderick told this investigation "I did not believe it was appropriate nor part of my job to pass judgment on the merits of the [underlying] case." Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 5. We find this assessment consistent with the statutory duties assigned to the Marshal Service. See 28 U.S.C. § 566(a) ("It is the primary role and mission of the United States Marshals Service to . . . obey, execute, and enforce all orders of the United States District Courts . . . .") and § 566(c) ("[T]he United States Marshals Service shall execute all lawful writs, process and orders issued under the authority of the United States . . . ."). Hudson and his subordinates asked Ellsworth and Howen about the strength of the charges against Weaver and were told that the case was good. Hudson FD-302, at 3. 260 Sheriff Bruce Whittaker seemed to prefer this option. He was quoted as saying, "It's just as bad for [Weaver] sitting up there on that mountain as if he was sitting in prison somewhere. . . . He's on his own self-imposed house-arrest up there, and it isn't costing anybody any money." "Feds Have Fugitive 'Under Our Nose'" Spokesman Review (Spokane), March 1, 1992, at A1. 261 See Perez FD0392, at 5. See also Note 315, infra. 262 We note that the Idaho District referred the case to the marshals, in part, because it did not have the financial resources or manpower to carry out the operation. See Hunt Sworn Statement, at 13. We have asked the FBI to determine how much the Marshals Service spent on the Weaver case, but have not yet received the calculation. 263 See Report of Dr. Walter J. Stenning, May 13, 1991. 264 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 16-17; Hudson FD-302, at 3; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5. See FD-302 Interview of Tony Perez, November 16, 1993, at 6-7. 265 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 2, 6; Mays FD-302, October 5, 1993, at 2, 4. 266 Supplemental Memo from Evans to Perez, February 20, 1991, at 2. 267 Report of Investigation by Mays, October 16, 1991, at 2. 168 A reporter for a local newspaper had told Cluff that Randy Weaver and his wife and children were "waiting at the. cabin, and are prepared to make a final stand." Report of Investigation by Evans, February 28, 1991, at 1. 269 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 11. 270 Letter to the "Servants of the Queen of Babylon," March 5, 1991; Report of Investigation by Hunt, March 6, 1991. 271 Kahl evaded arrest and was killed in a second confrontation. A local sheriff was also killed in that conflict. "Radical Tax Protester's Legacy Lives," UPI, July 9, 1983; Untitled article by Gordon Hanson, Associated Press, February 14, 1983. 272 Memo from Evans to Smith, March 18, 1991, at 1. Evans FD- 302, October 21, 1993, at 4. As a result of the Kahl case, the Marshals Service approached investigations of armed individuals motivated by strong personal belief "in a much more methodical and deliberate manner." In such cases, "[n]othing could be taken for granted," and the marshals would not go "charging in" to make an arrest. Perez FD-302, at 2. 273 Memo by Evans to Perez, March 12, 1991, at 2. 274 FD-302 Interview of Michael Johnson, October 5, 1993, at 4; Hudson fd-302, at 2-3. The marshals also considered other "non- tactical" solutions, such as interrupting water and power supplies to the cabin and abducting Vicki or Sara Weaver, while they were in the "birthing shed" during their menstrual cycles. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 2-3. Executive Operational Plan (Draft), May 20, 1992, at 4. 275 USMS Item Activity Report, October 10, 12, & 13, 1991. 276 Evans proposed a comparable plan in June 1991, in which two undercover marshals would pose as prospective purchasers of real estate adjacent to the Weaver property. Notes of SOG meeting on June 17 & 18, 1991; Stagg FD-302, October 21, 1993, at 5. SOG concluded that it would be impossible to provide adequate cover in the mountainous terrain. Id. 277 FD-302 Interview of Honorable Harold Ryan, November 9, 1993, at 1, 2. 278 Id. at 2-4. Marshal Johnson said that, during the week of March 11, 1001, Judge Ryan reminded [Johnson and Evans] of the need to arrest Weaver and get him into his courtroom." Johnson FD-302, October 5, 1993, at 3. Ellsworth and Howen denied requests from the Special Operations Group and Director Hudson to dismiss the Weaver indictment for failure to appear, purportedly because Judge Ryan wanted Weaver arrested. Ellsworth and Howen also rebuked offers by SOG and Hudson to meet with Judge Ryan to explain why they thought it advisable to dismiss. Judge Ryan told this investigation that he was never contacted about this matter. The only conversations he had about Weaver were informal talks with Evans. Ryan FD-302, at 6. 279 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 13; Evans FD-302, at 2. 280 Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 22, 1991, at 2. Evans was also concerned that Weaver was attempting to gain support in the community by having supporters circulate copies of Richins' letter. Memo from Evans to Perez, February 27, 1991, at 2. 281 One week later, the story was picked up by the Associated Press and articles appeared in the New York Times (March 12, 1992) and the San Francisco Chronicle (March 13, 1992). On March 27, 1992, the San Francisco Examiner ran the Chicago Tribune article. 282 Evans FD-302, at 3. 283 Director Hudson claims that media attention "did not change the pace of the investigation, but sharpened the concern of the community." Hudson FD-302, at 2. 284 This limitation includes communications made through third parties. See ABA Model Rule 8.4(1). 285 The Department of Justice has historically authorized limited contacts to determine whether a person believes counsel is representing his or her interests. See Memorandum from Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, "Communication with Persons Represented By Counsel", June 9, 1989. 286 Hearing Transcript, February 20, 1991, at 2-6; Ryan FD- 302, at 1. Hofmeister had sent four letters to Weaver's post office box advising him of the February 20 trial date and requesting a meeting. Hofmeister did not receive a reply and the letters were not returned. Hearing Transcript, at 2-6. Report of Investigation by Cluff, March 5, 1991. 287 Letter from Everett Hofmeister, Esq. to Mr. & Mrs. Randy Weaver, July 10, 1991, at 2. This letter was found in the Weaver cabin, with notations, during a search in September 1992. 288 See Report of Investigation by Hunt, September 5, 1992. 289 [G.J.] ; see Report of Investigation by Evans, July 10, 1991, at 1-2. 290 Report of Investigation by Hunt, October 22, 1991, at 5. There is no indication Hunt communicated this opinion to Howen. 291 Report of Investigation by Cluff, July 10, 1991. 292 Howen Interview, Tape 4, at 18-21. 293 On March 27, 1992, U.S. Marshal Johnson telephoned Alan Jeppeson and, in apparent disregard of Howen's order, asked Jeppeson to ask Weaver for conditions under which he would surrender. Jeppeson told Johnson that Weaver's response was "stay off his mountain." Report of Johnson, April 1, 1992. 294 To Johnson, it seemed that "every time [the marshals] attempted to take any type of action, they experienced a conflict with the United States Attorney." Johnson FD-302, August 17, 1993, at 2. 295 Howen Interview, Tape 2, at 2. 296 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 15, 20. 297 Id. at 23; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6. 298 Hudson FD-302, at 4. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED D. Marshals Service Activities Between August 17 and August 21, 1992 1. Introduction The defendants' attorneys alleged in pretrial motions that the marshals went to the Weaver property on August 21, 1992 to engage the Weavers and to force a violent confrontation.299] Counsel pointed to several facts, which, they alleged, proved that the marshals intended "something quite in excess of a mere 'reconnaissance mission.'" These alleged suspicious facts included bringing a "suppressed" rifle on the mission and spending "several hours sighting their guns" before the August 21 incident.[FN300] Counsel also suggested that the marshals initiated the exchange of gunfire on August 21 and that they deliberately killed Sammy Weaver. Finally, there have been allegations that the marshals exaggerated the amount of fire they received at the "Y," that they tried to cover up the death of Sammy Weaver, and that they delayed interviews with the FBI to enable them to coordinate their accounts of the shootings. 2. Statement of Facts a. Preparation for Surveillance In August 1992, Roderick and Hufnagel assembled the team which would conduct the surveillance necessary before the undercover plan could be placed in effect. This surveillance team was comprised of Roderick, Cooper, and Deputy Marshals Thomas, Norris, and Hunt. [FN301] In addition, Duke Smith contacted SOG Commander John Haynes and requested that an SOG member participate in the surveillance preceding the undercover operation.[FN302] Haynes selected Bill Degan, Commander of the Northeast Task Force in Boston and a close friend of Roderick and Cooper, to be the SOG representative on the team.[FN303] Haynes instructed Degan that the purpose of the mission was simply to gather intelligence.[FN304] As detailed in the Executive Operational Plan, the objective of the visit was to determine what cover was necessary for the undercover operation and to update previous surveillance information. It was expected that the surveillance would take approximately two weeks.[FN305] There was no plan to arrest Weaver during these excursions.[FN306] On August 17, 1992, Degan, Cooper, Roderick, Norris, Thomas, and Hunt arrived in Spokane, Washington.[FN307] Thereafter, the team drove to Sandpoint, Idaho, to set up a command post at the condominium on Schweitzer Mountain that Roderick's team had used in April. Roderick briefed the team on Wednesday evening, August 19. At that time, he repeated the standing orders from Marshals Service Headquarters that they were to avoid contact with the Weavers, particularly the children.[FN308] In preparation for their mission, the marshals discussed the terrain, the people believed to be on the mountain, and the weapons the Weavers were known to have.[FN309] They also reviewed surveillance videos, photographs, and other information.[FN310] Before the meeting ended, Degan inventoried each marshal's ammunition.[FN311] Roderick expressed concern that the longstanding feud between the Weavers and the Raus might be building toward a confrontation. [FN312] Sheriff's deputies had told that Raus that they would not go to the Weaver cabin out of fear for their own safety. [FN313] For this reason and others, the Raus were becoming increasingly frustrated, and there was concern that Wayne Rau's father might try to take the law into his own hands.[FN314] Roderick decided that the team would survey the Weaver property on Friday, August 21. Although he was still troubled about returning to the area too many times, he thought that Cooper, Degan, Norris and Thomas needed to become acquainted with the property. Of the group, only Roderick and Hunt had been to the Weaver property previously. The decision to conduct the surveillance on Friday was based in part on information which indicated favorable night illumination and weather conditions on that day.[FN315] In preparation for the mission, the marshals had acquired three .223 caliber M16 rifles from the Spokane office. Roderick believed that additional weapons were needed and mentioned the shortage to Degan, who had access to additional weapons from a SOG training display in Boston. Roderick told Degan to bring some of the rifles and other equipment with him.[FN316] Thereafter, Degan shipped a .223 caliber M16A2 Colt Carbine, a "sniper" rifle, a shotgun, and a "suppressed" .9mm Nato Colt Carbine from a display to Spokane. In addition, the team members brought their personal service weapons.[FN317] b. Trip of August 21, 1992 to Weaver Property At approximately 2:30 a.m. on August 21, 1992, the team left the condominium at Schweitzer Mountain in a van and a four wheel drive Jeep and drove to the residence of Boundary County Sheriff Bruce Whittaker where they left the van. They then drove the Jeep to the Rau residence where they arrived at approximately 4:30 a.m. and parked the Jeep by the guest cabin. The plan was for the marshals to move under cover of darkness to surveillance positions and then to leave after a few hours of surveillance. They did not intend to complete the day's mission before day break.[FN318] Each marshal was equipped with radios and night vision equipment and wore camouflage tops, pants, and boots. None wore bullet-proof vests, though they were available.[FN319] Degan carried one of the SOG M16s; Thomas and Norris each had rifles; Roderick had an M16; and Cooper had the "suppressed" .9mm.[FN320] Hunt was carrying camera equipment, so he elected to take only his service weapon. They did not bring the sniper rifle Degan had shipped from Boston.[FN321] The marshals left their Jeep and walked up a trail which led from the Rau house to an area known as the "Y". At that location, the group split into two three-man teams. The first team, the Observation Post ("OP") team, was comprised of Hunt, Thomas, and Norris; the second team, the Reconnaissance ("Recon") team, was comprised of Roderick, Cooper, and Degan. The OP team left the Y and took the left fork of the trail through a canopy of trees and a fern field. They then turned right and proceeded up the hill to the north switchback road which led to the observation post, which had been located during one of the Phase II surveillance trips. The observation post was approximately 900 feet in elevation above, and one half to three quarters of a mile from the Weaver compound, and was located at a spot on the north ridge referred to as the "white pine tree."[FN322] While the OP team was on its way up the mountain, Roderick led Degan and Cooper up the trail from the Y toward the Weaver compound. The team stopped at the edge of a cover of trees about 250 to 300 yards from the entrance to the Weaver driveway. From there. Roderick pointed out the rock outcropping where the Weavers responded to vehicles and other noises.[FN323] Roderick wanted Degan and Cooper to see this area because the undercover marshal would have to drive there when approaching the Weaver compound. It was still dark when Cooper heard one of the dogs bark.[FN324] The Recon team returned to the Y as it was starting to become light. By now the OP team had reached the observation post.[FN325] The OP team was equipped with a spotting scope, a still camera and an 8mm video camera. Once in position, the OP team was to watch the Weaver compound while Roderick, Cooper, and Degan scouted the area. The two teams maintained contact by radio using fire crew code words in case Weaver could intercept their transmissions.[FN326] Soon after its arrival, the OP team began to observe activity in the compound. They saw Sammy Weaver and Kevin Harris conduct a security check around the house. During the early morning hours the dogs barked periodically which did not strike Hunt as unusual.[FN327] At one point, Hunt saw Randy Weaver come out of the house and yell at the dogs to "shut up."[FN328] Hunt told Thomas that the dogs' barking and the Weavers' response was normal and that the activity in the compound appeared to be in accord with previous surveillance.[FN329] The OP team reported these sightings to Roderick, Cooper and Degan who stopped moving when there was activity in the Weaver compound.[FN330] Thereafter, Roderick Cooper, and Degan went to join the other marshals at the observation post. However, they became lost and had to radio Hunt for directions. When the Recon team arrived at the observation post at approximately 9:00 a.m., both teams discussed their observations. The OP team reported that members of the Weaver family had run to the outcropping several times in reaction to the dogs' barking. On each occasion, the persons running to the outcropping varied, but usually Harris and Sammy Weaver were among them. Norris stated that, using the spotting scope, he had seen Harris with a long gun, Sammy with a side arm and a long gun, Randy with a long gun, and Sara with a side arm in a holster.[FN331] The Recon team stayed at the observation post briefly and watched the Weaver family with binoculars and spotter scopes. They discussed different approaches to the property and the layout of the compound, including the various outbuildings and their possible purposes. Roderick wanted to show Cooper and Degan a spot he had identified in April as a good location for a "counter-sniper" for the undercover operation.[FN332] They found a position near a birch stand on a large rock embedded in a hill some 200 to 250 yards from the Weavers' cabin.[FN333] Roderick and Cooper then left Degan and crawled down to another rock approximately fifty yards below the first rock.[FN334] This point lined up with the base of the Weaver driveway, approximately 100 to 150 yards away. Roderick and Cooper observed family members take up positions at the rock outcropping whenever the dogs barked.[FN335] They also observed their movement back and forth between the outhouse, the cabin, and other outbuildings. It was at this time that Roderick decided to toss some rocks to see how the sound would carry and to see if the dogs would react.[FN336] He asked the OP team to observe the results.[FN337] Roderick then threw the first rock. Roderick, Cooper, and Degan did not hear the first rock hit, and the OP team reported that there was no reaction from the people who were insider the cabin or the dogs in the Weaver compound. Roderick threw a second rock and again no response occurred from the Weaver compound.[FN338] Approximately fifteen minutes later, Roderick and Cooper rejoined Degan, and the three backtracked to the "switchback" road. They had spent roughly a half hour at the birch stand observation point. Roderick decided to show Cooper and Degan the garden/spring house area below the house. At that time, they were still looking for places to station cover teams for the undercover operation. [FN339] Cooper was concerned about being too close to the house in the daylight, but Roderick said that surveillance teams had been closer on prior missions without being detected.[FN340] Roderick also was hoping to limit their trips to the mountain to two instead of the planned four, so it was necessary to accomplish as much as possible during this outing.[FN341] They agreed the previous night that they would immediately leave the area if the dogs alerted.[FN342] Before proceeding to the garden/spring house area, Roderick informed the OP team of his intention and asked that he be advised of any movement in the compound as they were heading into the "hot" area, which was the marshal's code for the land immediately surrounding the Weaver compound.[FN343] Thomas advised Roderick that "they had total containment," that is, the Weavers were in the house.[FN344] After receiving this information, Roderick moved forward slowly, followed by Cooper and Degan. He indicated to Cooper and Degan several possible cover team positions. As they were getting ready to leave the spring house area, Thomas radioed that the Weavers were "responding" to an approaching vehicle. None of the other marshals heard a vehicle.[FN345] The dogs began to bark, and people started to run out of the cabin.[FN346] Randy Weaver exited first, followed by Kevin Harris, Sammy Weaver, Sara Weaver, and Rachel Weaver. Vicki Weaver remained in the compound area. Thomas told Roderick that they were carrying "equipment," meaning that they had firearms.[FN347] Roderick expected that the Weavers would assume their normal defensive positions. He Instructed Cooper and Degan to take cover.[FN348] Roderick also took cover and radioed the observation post for further information.[FN349] Hunt radioed Roderick and informed him that this appeared to be "a typical vehicle response" by the Weavers.[FN350] However, his assessment soon changed. Rather than taking their normal defensive positions at the outcropping, the Weavers jogged down the driveway. Hunt warned Roderick, "You've got them all coming down the drive."[FN351] Roderick then saw a large labrador retriever running toward his position, followed by Kevin Harris, carrying a rifle.[FN352] Randy Weaver dictated this account of these events to his daughter, Sara, on August 26, 1992: Approximately 11:30 Friday morning....the dogs started barking like they always do when strangers walk up the driveway. Randy, Kevin, and Sam ran out to the rock with their weapons. Randy was carrying a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun. Kevin was carrying a 30-06 bolt action rifle. Sam was carrying a 223 mini 14. [FN353] When they got to the rock, our yellow dog Striker was down at the pumphouse barking up into the woods. Randy, Kevin and Sam went down to investigate. Sam said he heard something, or someone running west, so they followed. Sam and Kevin followed Striker. Randy dropped down on the old logging road headed west. I (Randy Weaver) didn't have any idea what they were chasing, but I was hoping it was a deer. [FN354] Kevin Harris claimed that, from the intensity of the dog's reaction, he thought that there was "a large animal or a person" in the vicinity.[FN355] Vicki Weaver wrote in her journal on August 21, 1992: Randy, Kevin and Sam go down past the pump house to see what's bothering the dog. He apparently made the servant of the New World Order retreat down Farnworth Road. They followed the dog part way down.[FN356] Roderick told Cooper and Degan that a dog and a man with a rifle were running toward them and that they had to move out.[FN357] The OP team heard Roderick say, "Pull back!" and, "the dogs are on us."[FN358] Roderick took the lead as the marshals fled through the woods. The area was thickly forested, and the marshals made a great deal of noise as they ran.[FN359] As they fled down the mountain, the marshals stopped several times to determine whether they were being pursued and saw that they were. During the retreat, Roderick said that the dog might have to be killed because it had picked up their scent.[FN360] Roderick noted that each time he and the others turned to look, the dog and Harris were closer to them. As they ran through the woods, Roderick continued asking the OP team who was coming and what weapons they had.[FN361] The OP team radioed that "the assignment fire chief," the code name assigned to Vicki Weaver, was walking leisurely around the compound.[FN362] Hunt, Norris and Thomas remained at the observation post above the Weaver property during the pursuit. After Randy Weaver, Sammy Weaver, Sara Weaver, and Harris ran down the drive, Thomas observed Rachel Weaver hurry into the cabin and exit with a "mini 14" rifle.[FN363] Roderick was still leading Cooper and Degan when they broke from the woods into the fern field. Roderick chose the fern field because it provided the quickest retreat and allowed them to move with the least noise. At that time, he thought that they could still escape.[FN364] They ran through the fern field and under the tree canopy. Roderick was farthest from Harris and the dog, with Degan ten yards behind and Cooper another ten yards behind Degan. As Roderick turned to look back, he saw the dog, Harris, and, for the first time in the pursuit, Sammy Weaver.[FN365] Cooper thought that he might have to shoot the dog and stayed behind Roderick and Degan in case that became necessary.[FN366] Cooper did not see Harris until after he was through the fern field and into the canopy of trees leading to the Y. He told the others that it was "bullshit" for them to continue running and that he did not want to "run down the trail and get shot in the back." He urged them to take up defensive positions.[FN367] The others agreed. Roderick cleared the canopy first and entered the Y. Degan arrived at the end of the canopy and took a position behind a stump approximately three to four feet off the right of the trail.[FN368] C. Shooting at the Y There is a significant difference between the account of the events at the Y given by the marshals and the account provided by Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris.[FN369] All agree that Harris shot and killed Deputy Marshal Degan and that Deputy Marshal Roderick shot and killed the dog. Although the marshals did not realize until several days later that Sammy Weaver had been shot during the encounter, they agree now that he was wounded in the arm and fatally shot in the back during the exchange of gunfire. However, the sequence of these events, and, in particular, the timing of Sammy Weaver's death, remains contested, as does the identity of the person who shot Sammy Weaver. The events comprising the shootout at the Y occurred very quickly, and the participants' perspectives often blended together and occasionally were in conflict. Thus, the following narrative represents our best effort to present the most accurate chronology of the events that occurred at the Y based on the information provided to us during our investigation. (1) Account of Cooper and Roderick When Cooper reached the "water bar" at the entrance to the Y, he saw Randy Weaver through the brush approximately 40 feet away coming down the other trail from the Weaver compound. They looked at each other, and Cooper thought Weaver seemed shocked to see him. At the time, Cooper assumed that Roderick and Degan were covering Weaver and he turned his attention to Harris and the dog, which were still behind him. He yelled at Harris, "Back off, U.S. Marshals," believing that they had been set up for an ambush.[FN370] The dog caught up to Cooper, and he held it at bay with his gun. The dog made a 360-degree turn around Cooper, growling and snarling.[FN371] Cooper decided not to shoot the dog, fearing that if he did so in plain view of Harris, it would precipitate a gunfight, with both Cooper and Degan fully exposed. After circling Cooper, the dog ran past him and headed towards Roderick. Cooper left the trail and dove behind a rock located about fifteen feet behind Degan and to his right. Cooper did not see Randy Weaver again.[FN372] Roderick, who was further into the Y, also saw Randy Weaver on the trail leading up to the cabin. Weaver was wearing a camouflage jacket and screamed something unintelligible at Roderick. Roderick yelled, "Stop! U.S. Marshal" at Weaver. Roderick could not tell if Weaver continued up the trail or went into the woods.[FN373] Cooper radioed Degan to join him at the "fox hole," but Degan did not respond. He saw that Harris and Sammy were walking directly in front of Degan. Cooper observed Degan squatting on the balls of his feet behind a stump and facing up the trail. Once Harris and Sammy were into the clearing of the Y, six to ten feet past Degan's position, Cooper thought they had escaped detection. Unexpectedly, Degan went up on his left knee, with his weapon on his shoulder and pointed at Harris and Sammy Weaver, and said, "Stop! U.S. Marshal." Cooper, almost simultaneously joined Degan in saying "U.S. Marshal." However, before Cooper finished the command, Kevin Harris, who had his back to Degan, wheeled around and fired at Degan with a 30.06 rifle. Harris was holding the rifle waist-high when he fired.[FN374] Cooper saw Degan's arm go back as he started to fall. Harris then began to bring his weapon to his shoulder as if he were going to fire again. Cooper, realizing that Degan had been hit, fired a three-round burst at Harris with the "suppressed" .9mm. According to Cooper, Harris dropped to the ground "like a sack of potatoes." Cooper was convinced that he had hit Harris. Cooper then wheeled his weapon toward Sammy. He could not see whether Sammy had a gun because a tree blocked his view of Sammy's hands. He did not shoot at Sammy because Sammy had not fired at Degan and he did not see Sammy's weapon. Cooper did not think Degan had returned any fire.[FN375] Meanwhile, Roderick had moved south down the path. He heard a shot from his left, from the direction he had last seen Cooper, Degan, Harris, and Sammy. Roderick could not determine who had fired the shot or whether it came from a .223 or 30.06 rifle, although he thought it sounded like a heavy caliber weapon.[FN376] Other than the dog, which was heading toward the path where Randy Weaver had appeared moments earlier, Roderick could not see anyone. When the first shot was fired, the dog stopped and turned its head back toward the marshals. Concerned that the dog would attack or lead Weaver, Harris, and the others toward the marshals if they kept running, Roderick fired once at the dog with his M16 rifle, striking the dog near the base of the spine.[FN377] After he shot the dog, Roderick saw Sammy Weaver enter the Y and run up the trail, away from Roderick and toward where Randy Weaver had disappeared. Sammy called Roderick, "a son of a bitch" and shot two rounds at him from a mini-14 rifle. Roderick dove into the woods off the south side of the trail and took cover behind a tree. He received "constant" fire at that position from weapons that sounded like a shotgun, a handgun, and a rifle.[FN378] During this same period, Cooper heard two shots to his right and Sammy Weaver yelling "You son of a bitch." He then began taking fire and heard Degan call "Coop, I need you." Cooper told Degan that he would be there "as soon as I can get 'em off our ass."[FN379] Cooper rose and fired a second, three-round burst in the direction from which he had last received fire in order to provide cover fire for himself as he tried to get to Degan.[FN380] Following these last shots, Cooper saw Sammy run out of view up the trail to the cabin. Cooper did not think that his shots had hit Sammy Weaver.[FN381] When the fire shifted toward Roderick, it allowed Cooper to move to Degan's position.[FN382] Degan had been hit once in the chest.[FN383] He was lying on his left side, his arm in the rifle sling, making a gurgling noise. He was conscious, but unable to assist Cooper in moving to a protected position. Within a few moments, Degan lost consciousness and died. Cooper took Degan's weapon and changed the setting from semi-automatic to safety. He did not fire Degan's weapon. Cooper returned to his position behind the rock.[FN384] He radioed to Roderick that Degan had been hit and needed help. (2) The OP Team Norris, Thomas, and Hunt were at the observation post overlooking the Weaver property, while Roderick, Cooper, and Degan were being chased through the woods. Norris heard the announcement, "U.S. Marshal" and then a single shot. Two quick shots followed from, Norris believed, a .223 caliber weapon and then he heard a series of discharges.[FN385] Thomas also heard a single shot, which he described as a "heavy caliber." Thomas contrasted the fist shot to subsequent fire, which he characterized as "lighter." Hunt told Thomas that he also thought the first shot sounded like a heavy caliber weapon. Thomas glanced at his watch when he heard the first shot and it was approximately 10:30 a.m.[FN386] Hunt could not determine the caliber of the weapon fired, but said that the first shot sounded like a "long run." Hunt heard a single gunshot, followed by two gunshots, then four gunshots. He did not hear any shotgun blasts during the entire incident.[FN387] Hunt, Norris and Thomas then left the observation post to assist the other marshals. They ran to the Y after hearing the shots, they heard yelling from the Weaver property. When Hunt, Norris, and Thomas approached the fern field and turned left into the tree canopy, they received a volley of gun fire from their left side. This gunfire, described as being from different caliber weapons, went over their heads. Hunt pointed his service weapon in the direction of the fire, searching for a target to return the fire. Seeing none, he did not fire. It is not known who fired at Hunt, Norris, and Thomas.[FN388] (3) Account of Weaver and Harris Randy Weaver's account of the incident comes from a statement he dictated to his daughter, Sara, on August 26, 1992: When I reached the first fork in the logging road, a very well camouflaged person yelled 'freeze RANDY,' and I immediately said 'fuck you,' and retreated toward home 80-100 feet. I realized [sic] immediately [sic] that we had run smack into a ZOG/NEW WORLD ORDER ambush. I stopped to see if I was being followed. About that time I heard a gun shot and Striker [the dog] yelped. Then I heard two more shots and Striker stopped yelping. I started yelling for Sam and Kevin to return home, and that they (THE FEDS) had shot Striker. I also fired my shotgun once into the air to draw attention to myself praying that would help. I replaced the empty shell with a new one....jamming the shotgun. I drew my .9mm handgun and fired 3-4 rounds up into the air and I yelled again for Sam to return home. Sam responded 'I'm coming DAD!' I then walked backwards up the hill toward home yelling to Sam and Kevin to come home. All the while I heard many shots ringing out from the direction of the ambush.[FN389] In the August 26 letter, Sara Weaver quotes Harris: Me (Kevin Harris) and Sam followed Striker through the woods until we came out on the road that forks off the one Randy was on . . .Striker reached the corner first, then Sam, and then me. A camouflaged [sic] person was in the road and he shot Striker. Sam yelled 'You shot Striker, you sonafabitch!' And they pointed a gun at Sam. Sam opened [sic] fire. I took cover behind a stump and Sam headed up the road toward home. it appeared [sic] as though Sam had been wounded in the right arm . . . . THE men were still shooting at Sam, so I shot one of the sons of bitches. After they killed Sam one of the FEDs jumped out of the woods and for the first time declared he was a federal marshal. The FEDs then grabbed their wounded and left. I then headed home up the road and spotted Sam's body laying in the road without a doubt shot in the back.[FN390] In a statement to the FBI on September 1, 1992, Harris added that he raised his rifle to fire when he fired at Degan, who Harris said was approximately 20 feet away in the brush. Harris then heard Degan call out that he had been hit. When Harris fired, Sammy Weaver had already begun running up the trail. Harris claimed that after he fired the shots at Degan the shooting came to a halt for a few seconds before he heard another shot. Sammy "yelped," then was silent. Harris said he fired one more shot in front of a camouflaged man who had reappeared out of the brush "to scare him." Harris stayed behind the stump "approximately ten more minutes," when he heard "the sound of a vehicle down the hill." He then retreated to the Weaver house. Approximately 15 minutes later, Randy and Vicki Weaver, along with Harris, retrieved the body of Sammy Weaver and placed it in the birthing shed.[FN391] On the morning of August 21, Ruth Rau was outside her house, loading laundry into her car. At approximately 10:30 a.m., she heard a series of gunshots in rapid succession, coming from the direction of the Y. Rau estimated that a total of 50 rounds were fired, with the initial burst of gunfire lasting approximately two minutes. She heard additional gunshots at approximately 11:15 a.m.[FN392] d. Events Following the Gunfire Roderick hearing Cooper's call for help, radioed the OP team to send Norris, the medic, to the Y. Roderick was unable to see Cooper or Degan but assumed that they were on the trail above him. After requesting assistance, he dove back out onto the trail in a prone position to assess the situation. As he looked for Cooper or Degan, he heard a rifle shot from his right front side and then felt something pass across his stomach. Roderick heard more shots and ran back into the woods for cover, where he received additional fire. After examining himself, Roderick discovered a bullet hole in his shirt but he was not injured. Shortly thereafter, Roderick heard movement off to his right in the woods across the road. Cooper told Roderick to toss stones so that Cooper could determine where Roderick was and direct him to Cooper's location. Roderick moved through the thicket toward Cooper and radioed their position to Hunt. Both men heard sporadic gunfire from the direction of the Weaver compound and the fern field.[FN393] Meanwhile, Hunt, Norris and Thomas arrived at the Y.As he emerged from the canopy trail, Hunt had his handgun drawn while Norris, the medic, placed his weapon on the ground and attempted to resuscitate Degan. Hunt picked up Norris' rifle laying on the ground and looked across the trail up toward Weaver's cabin, but saw no one. Norris worked on Degan for a short time before announcing that he was dead.[FN394] Cooper told Hunt and Norris that Harris had shot Degan and that he believed that he had hit Harris.[FN395] The marshals whispered because noise would bring gunfire in response.[FN396] They fired no additional shots at the Y. Shortly thereafter, there was a tremendous discharge of gunshots on the trail to the Weaver house, followed by the sound of male and female voices wailing. The marshals also heard cursing; a woman shout, "Yahweh;" a man yell, "you son of a bitch," and others scream, "You tried to kill my daddy."[FN397] At the time the marshals did not know that Sammy Weaver had been shot in the confrontation. Roderick, Cooper, and Norris waited in the brush with Degan's body while Hunt and Norris left for help. Four to five hours later, they heard an aircraft overhead and some gunfire. [FN398] Whether conditions deteriorated as the day progressed, and it started to rain.[FN399] Cooper and Roderick, who decided not to leave without Degan's body, made several attempts to move Degan, but could not.[FN400] Roderick maintained radio contact with Hunt and told him that every time the marshals made a noise, the Weavers responded with heavy gunfire.[FN401] 3. Discussion a. Alleged Intent of the Marshals to Force a Confrontation with the Weavers This investigation has revealed no evidence that the marshals went to the Weaver property on August 21, 1992 intending to use deadly force against Randy Weaver or his family. indeed, the evidence indicates quite the contrary. Months of planning went into formulating the undercover plan, and Director Hudson had explicitly rejected any strategy that might harm Vicki Weaver or her children. We find absolutely no support for the suggestion that Roderick deliberately ignored Hudson's direct orders not to engage the Weavers.[FN402] (1) The .9mm Weapon Defense counsel questioned the marshals' selection of firearms, particularly the .9mm "suppressed" semi-automatic weapon, and implied that the weapon was brought on the mission expressly to shoot the Weaver dog.[FN403] At the outset, it should be noted that a "suppressed" weapon is not silent. The suppression mechanism reduces firing noise to approximately one-fifth of the noise absent the mechanism. If the marshals had intended to fire a weapon without detection, the Marshals Service had quieter guns available.[FN404] The five surviving marshals insist they had not planned to use the .9mm, or any other weapon, to shoot the Weaver dog. Roderick testified that they marshals would have to neutralize the dogs when it came time to arrest Weaver, but that they only planned to conduct reconnaissance on the August mission.[FN405] Thomas understood that if they were confronted by the dogs, they were to leave the area.[FN406] Cooper said that they did not intend to get close enough to the Weaver house to encounter the dogs.[FN407] The possibility of shooting the dog apparently first arose as Roderick, Cooper, and Degan were running away from the dog and Harris. Roderick reports that, during the attempted escape, he said that the dog might have to be killed because it had picked up the marshals' scent.[FN408] Cooper also said that he decided while they were running that it might be necessary to use the suppressed .9mm to "take out" the dog because it was leading the pursuers to the marshals and endangering their lives.[FN409] The .9mm was not used to shoot the dog. Cooper stated that he did not shoot the dog for fear that by doing so in plain view of Harris, it would precipitate a firefight.[FN410] it was Roderick who shot the dog with his rifle, after hearing a shot fired to his left. Cooper and Roderick, who spent many years in the Special Operations Group, saw nothing unusual about taking a "suppressed" weapon on a surveillance mission.[FN411] We do not find the presence of the weapon suspicious and can envision circumstances in which this type of weapon would be important for a surveillance team, such as when dangerous animals could be encountered.[FN412] Although we recognize that the decision to bring the "suppressed" weapon on the mission may seem unusual, we are satisfied that there was no preconceived plan to use it or any other weapon to shoot the Weavers or their dog.[FN413] (2) "Zeroing" the Weapons It is common practice to "Zero" or readjust the sights of weapons that have been shipped to ensure that they have not been damaged in transit.[FN414] Chief Deputy Marshal Moriarity arranged for the team to use a firing range to zero the weapons Degan had shipped from Boston to Spokane to be used in the mission. On Thursday, August 20, Roderick, Cooper, Degan, Hunt, and Moriarity, along with some local deputy sheriffs, drove to the firing range and spent about an hour sighting and testing the weapons.[FN415] Defense counsel pointed to the marshals' zeroing of their weapons as evidence that they had planned to confront the Weavers.[FN416] We found no evidence to support this allegation. The marshals' trip to the firing range was made openly, with several local state and federal law enforcement officials present. Contrary to defense claims, it was not [SEALED BY COURT] for the marshals' benefit but rather was nothing more than a precautionary practice in which the marshals routinely engaged. We do not attribute anything suspicious to this outing. (3) Presence of a Medic on the Surveillance Team Defense counsel also alleged that Norris, the medic, was brought on the August 21 mission [SEALED BY COURT] [FN417] Counsels' statement implies the marshals planned a violent confrontation with the Weavers that day. We find no support for such a contention. Each prior trip to the Weaver property had medical support.[FN418] The Weaver cabin is on a remote, heavily wooded mountain, and access to the area is difficult. It is common for a medic to go on an operation under such .[FN419] The marshals also could not ignore the fact that the Weavers were constantly armed and were reportedly hostile to law enforcement. We consider the assignment of a medic to the team to be a responsible precaution under the circumstances and not proof that an assault was planned. 4) Tossing of Rocks Defense counsel also alleged that Roderick threw rocks [SEALED BY COURT] to taunt the Weaver dogs and to provoke a confrontation.[FN420] Although Roderick did throw two rocks, we cannot conclude that this was done for the reason counsel posits. The rocks at issue were thrown at least 15 minutes before the dogs were alerted by the sound of a vehicle. According to Cooper he suggested to Roderick that they toss rocks "to see what the dogs would respond to" because it was important to know which sounds would draw a reaction from the dogs in case a "cover" team member made a noise while moving into position.[FN421] Roderick was not concerned that tossing the rocks would create an unwarranted risk [FN422] since he had noticed during previous surveillance missions that a variety of sounds emanated from the woods, particularly along the side of the mountain. Roderick distinguished his intent to test for a reaction from the dogs from purposely trying to provoke them. He denied attempting to excite the dogs.[FN423] Roderick was confident that, if the Weavers had heard the rocks, they would not have been able to see the marshals and that, if the dogs had reacted, they could not have reached the marshals.[FN424] We do not believe that the marshals threw the rocks with the intent to agitate the dogs or to draw them to the marshals' location. Although we accept as reasonable the marshals' desire to determine how sound would carry in order to determine the best position for the observation post, we do not believe that the marshals fully considered the potential chain of events that could have unfolded if the dogs had reacted to the rocks. Although this decision was not well considered, we found no evidence that it was improperly motivated.[FN425] (5) The Trip to the Lower Garden Though not specifically raised by the defense, this inquiry considered whether the marshals went to the lower garden/spring house area below the mount on which the Weaver cabin sits for the purpose of luring the dog or the Weavers from the house. We found no evidence that the trip was made to incite a skirmish with the Weavers. Notwithstanding this conclusion, we must question the wisdom of the marshals travelling that close to the compound in daylight, especially after the dogs had been barking much of the morning.[FN426] b. The Initiation of Gunfire at the Y he prosecution charged at trial that Harris fired at Degan at the Y and set off the chain of events that led to the deaths of Degan, Sammy Weaver, and the Weaver dog. The defense countered that it was the marshals, not Harris, who had initiated the gunfire. The jury acquitted Weaver and Harris of all charges that they had assaulted federal officers. The marshals testified at trial and provided sworn statements to this inquiry. The Weavers and Kevin Harris did not testify and declined to be interviewed for this investigation. Thus, their rendition of what occurred is derived from statements made by or attributed to them following the shootings and their surrender. (1) Witness Accounts Cooper was the only witness who saw Harris shoot Degan. He testified that Harris fired first. Harris admitted that he shot Degan, but claimed that he did so after Roderick had shot the dog. It is not disputed that Harris was carrying a heavy caliber 30.06 rifle. Roderick could not see Harris fire and could not say whether the first shot came from a .223 or 30.06 caliber weapon. Thomas and Hunt agree that the first shot sounded like a heavy caliber weapon. Harris and Randy Weaver were the only ones at or near the Y with heavy caliber guns. However, Norris thought that the first shot, and the two that followed, came from a .223. Roderick and Degan were carrying .223 caliber M16 rifles. Thomas, Hunt, and Norris agree about the sequence of the shots. They heard one, then two shots, in quick succession, followed by a barrage of fire. Cooper said that Harris fired once, and then Roderick twice. Roderick said he heard one shot before he fired once or perhaps twice. The physical evidence indicates Roderick fired only once. Hunt, Norris, and Roderick all stated that they heard Degan and Cooper start to identify themselves just before the first shot. Weaver and Harris gave conflicting versions. Weaver said that one of the marshals called out for him to freeze before there was any gunfire. Harris said that the marshals did not identify themselves until after the gunfire had stopped. (2) Physical Evidence An inventory of the marshals' ammunition taken on the early morning of August 22 showed that Hunt, Norris, and Thomas did not fire their weapons during the incident. Roderick fired one shot from an M16 rifle. Cooper fired six shots form the .9mm weapon. Degan's weapon had been fired seven times.[FN427] This appears to be inconsistent with Harris' claim that there was an "explosion of gunfire" from the marshals.[FN428] We believe that the marshals exercised restraint as to the number of shots discharged by the Weavers and Harris.[FN429] Sammy Weaver was struck twice in the exchange of gunfire. One round hit him in the right arm, near the elbow, traveling from front to back. This bullet also shattered the stock of his rifle. The second and fatal shot hit the boy in the back and passed through his body, exiting after a slight track from left to right.[FN430] (3) The First Shot We are presented with diametrically opposed descriptions of events that occurred at the Y. However, we are sensitive to the fact that the gunfight occurred quickly and that all of the participants were under extraordinary stress during and after the shooting[FN431] which may have affected the witnesses' perception of events. The physical evidence is inconclusive and provides no assistance in determining who initiated the gunfight, although it is clear that the marshals did not "ambush" the Weavers. Thus, based upon the evidence available, we do not believe we can definitively reconstruct the sequence of fire that occurred at the Y. c. The Shooting of Sammy Weaver Dr. Charles R. Lindholm, who performed the autopsy on Sammy Weaver, could not offer an opinion on the type of bullet which wounded Sammy's arm. Dr. Lindholm reported that the fatal back/chest wound was "indicative of a low velocity round." he did not believe that it was caused by a .223 caliber bullet and thought that the wound "would be more consistent with that of a 9 millimeter round."[FN432] Dr. Martin L. Fackler testified at trial for the prosecution as an expert in "wound ballistics." Dr. Fackler concluded that the fatal wound was caused by a .9mm bullet.[FN433] Dr. Fackler believed the bullet that caused the fatal wound was similar to the silver tipped bullets used in Cooper's weapon.[FN434] Two .9mm firearms were at or near the "Y": Randy Weaver had a .9mm pistol; Cooper had been assigned a .9mm "suppressed" semi-automatic weapon. Weaver claims to have fired his weapon three or four times;[FN435] Cooper's was fired six times. Harris reported that he heard the shot that killed Sammy.[FN436] Degan's M16 rifle fires a .223 caliber round. None of the marshals saw Degan discharge his weapon, though his gun was fired seven times. Cooper said that he did not fire Degan's weapon after he retrieved it.[FN437] Dr. Fackler testified that Degan could have fired his weapon after he had been shot in the chest by Harris, although his accuracy would have been impaired.[FN438] However, Fackler did not believe that Degan's M16 caused the fatal injury, but thought it was possible that the weapon could have caused the wound to Sammy's arm. [FN439] Cooper and Roderick last saw Sammy run out of view up the trail. The location where Harris found Sammy's body is unknown because the Weavers moved the body. Although it is not our intention to speculate, the evidence, though not conclusive, certainly suggests that the shot that killed Sammy came from Cooper's .9mm weapon. We have found no evidence that Cooper, or any of the marshals, intentionally sought to kill or injure Sammy Weaver. Cooper said that he purposely fired three shots at Harris, after Harris shot Degan and appeared to be preparing to fire at Degan again. Cooper was convinced that he wounded or killed Harris, who dropped to the ground "like a sack of potatoes."[FN440] Actually, Cooper missed Harris, who disappeared out of view into the woods along the trail. Cooper then wheeled his weapon toward Sammy and took aim, but did not fire.[FN441] Cooper next fired a second three round burst, in the direction from which he had received fire, as cover in an effort to reach Degan. He said this burst was not directed at a specific target. It is possible that Sammy may have been mortally wounded at that time. Sammy Weaver was shot during a firefight in which he was a participant. There is no proof, and we do not conclude, that Cooper intentionally aimed the fatal shot at Sammy Weaver. Indeed, the record demonstrates that the marshals went to great lengths in preparing for their mission to avoid endangering the Weaver children. d. Allegation the Marshals Attempted to Cover Up the Shooting of Sammy Weaver The marshals maintain that they did not know that Sammy Weaver had been killed until they were told about it on Sunday, August 23.[FN442] Prior to that time the marshals did not believe that Sammy Weaver had been harmed during the encounter. Cooper did not believe that he had hit Sammy when he put down cover fire to get to Degan, because he saw Sammy running up the trail afterward.[FN443] Indeed the only person that Cooper thought he had injured was Kevin Harris who he thought he had seen fall "like a sack of potatoes." According to Jurgensen, the news that Sammy's body had been discovered in the "birthing" shed on August 22 appeared to surprise the marshals. Before this, the marshals had reported that Sammy had been at the Y when the shooting began, but they did not believe that he had been shot.[FN444] There was no mention of Sammy when the Weavers retrieved his body from the trail.[FN445] In conclusion, we found no evidence that the marshals took any actions to conceal the death of Sammy Weaver. Indeed, the evidence indicates that it was not until the FBI discovered the body on August 24 that the marshals were even aware that Sammy Weaver had been killed. 4. Conclusion We are unable to determine who initiated the gunfire at the Y on August 21. The evidence suggests, but does not establish, that the shot that killed Sammy Weaver was fired by Deputy Marshal Cooper. Assuming that to be so, we find that there was no intent on the part of Cooper or any of the other marshals to harm Sammy Weaver. We also find that the marshals did not attempt to conceal the shooting of Sammy Weaver since they were unaware that Sammy Weaver had even been injured. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART D) 299 Defendants' Memorandum, January 6, 1993, at 3-5. 300 Id. at 3. 301 Norris is a medic. Libby, the medic on the earlier reconnaissance trip, was unavailable. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 18. See Executive Operational Plan, August 12, 1992, at 2. 302 Haynes FD-302, at 4. 303 Roderick, Degan and Cooper had been members of SOG. Cooper testified that he and Degan "were like brothers." Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 15. At the time of the assignment, only Degan was an active SOG member. Id. at 15. 304 Haynes FD-302, at 4. 305 Executive Operational Plan, May 37, 1992, at 2-3; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 3; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 2; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 20. 306 Cooper said that if the marshals saw Weaver away from his children, they would have arrested him. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5. 307 The following day they briefed U.S. Marshal Paul Nolan of the Eastern District of Washington, and his Chief Deputy, Michael Moriarity. Marshals Service protocol is that visiting marshals advise local offices of missions in their area. Moriarity FD-302, November 18, 1993, at 3-4. They explained the purpose of their mission was to update intelligence on the Weaver property. Id. at 7; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 19. Reports had been received that Weaver had built barricades and that sympathizers had arrived at the compound. Nolan explained that no one had observed the Weaver property since Roderick's last trip to the mountain. Roderick FD- 302, August 22 & 28, 1992, at 2. 308 Roderick instructed the team that "the children were to be completely removed from the equation." Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 12. Thomas said that the instructions were, if they saw the children, "to hide and avoid them." Thomas Sworn Statement, at 4; FD-302 Interview of Frank Norris, August 23 & 29, 1992, at 1. 309 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 3-4; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 20; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 3. 310 The marshals tested each other on the identity of the persons in the videotapes. The Weaver dogs could be seen on the tapes, but they did not leave the compound area. There were no specific plans to deal with the dogs. Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 155. 311 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 21. 312 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 19; Roderick FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 2; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 4. Mrs Rau reported to the Boundary County Sheriff on August 3, 1992 that the Weavers had stolen a tank and piping from their backup water system, which was functioning as their primary water source. Two weeks later, the Raus reported that the Weavers had stolen gasoline from their property. Boundary County Sheriff Incident Report, August 3 & 17, 1992; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 19; FD- 302 Interview of Ruth Rau, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 6-7. Roderick was concerned because the gasoline was near one of the marshal's former observation positions. Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 133. 313 Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 6-7. Sheriff Whittaker told his Deputies not to go to the Weaver cabin because "law enforcement officers are not welcome." Since the Marshals Service had a warrant outstanding, Whittaker believed it inappropriate for his department to confront Weaver. FD-302 Interview of Bruce Whittaker, November 20, 1993, at 4-5. 314 Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 6-7. The Weavers' treatment of the Raus was also a concern to Marshals Service Headquarters. Perez spoke to the Raus and concluded that they were being "terrorized." The Raus had provided considerable assistance to the Marshals Service, which felt responsible for their welfare. Perez considered it unacceptable that the Raus might be harmed while there was an outstanding warrant against Weaver. Perez FD-302, at 4; Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 6. 315 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 21; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6. 316 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 117. 317 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 119, 122; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 19. 318 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5-6. John Haynes, Commander of the Special Operations Group, said that he told Degan "to go in and come off the site under the cover of darkness." Haynes FD-302, at 6. There is no evidence that Degan communicated this to the other members of the surveillance team. Cooper stated that they could not accomplish what they wanted to do that day before the sun came up. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5-6. In fact, the observation post team did not reach its position on the mountain until daylight. Thomas Sworn Statement, at 5. 319 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 125, 159; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 23. 320 Cooper chose the .9mm because he was most familiar with its operation. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 4. 321 Id.; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 21. Roderick testified that the sniper rifle was inappropriate for a reconnaissance mission. Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 136. 322 Norris Sworn Statement, at 8; FD-302 Interview of Frank Norris, August 29, 1992. 323 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 11; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 45. 324 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6. The dogs had barked frequently during other surveillances, and they routinely barked at other animals or sounds unrelated to the surveillance teams. Roderick did not think that the dogs had alerted the Weavers to his team or that the Weavers had seen the team because it was dark. Roderick FD-302, August 23 & 28, 1992, at 4. 325 Thomas said that the sun was out when they arrived at the OP. Thomas Sworn Statement, at 5. Hunt explained that they had trouble reaching the OP. This was the first time the team had been to the Weaver compound for several months, and the undergrowth had gotten taller, changing the appearance of the terrain and making it more difficult to spot landmarks. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 21. 326 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 22. The radios were attached to the waist band of the marshal's pants. Each radio was equipped with a "surveillance kit," a wire connected to an ear piece, and a microphone which could be attached to the marshal's hands or lapels. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 42-43. Each marshal could hear the others as they spoke. Thomas Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 11. 327 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 22; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 5- 6. 328 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 25. 329 FD-302 Interview of Joseph Thomas, August 23 & 27, 1992, at 2. Hunt commented that "everything was like 'clockwork.'" Thomas Sworn Statement, at 6. 330 Roderick FD-302, August 23 & 28, 1992, at 6. 331 Norris FD-302, August 23 & 29, 1992, at 2-3; Norris Sworn Statement, at 8. 332 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 22; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6. 333 Roderick Trial Testimony, may 20, 1993, at 172-173. 334 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 12, 191. 335 Roderick testified that this position was near where he had observed Weaver meet the Kittels in April. Id. at 13. 336 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 22; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6-7. 337 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 23. 338 All three marshals heard the second rock. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 22; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 7. 339 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 11, 14, 17. Cooper said that Roderick also wanted to familiarize them with the spring house because "if there was ever a siege at the house, it might be necessary to cut off the water supply." Cooper Sworn Statement, at 7. 340 Id. at 7. Roderick was presumably referring to the trip along the East Trail, the final excursion during Phase II. 341 Roderick Sworn Statment (draft), at 23. 342 FD-302 Interview of Cooper, August 22, 1992, at 4. 343 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 20. The marshals agreed to use language designed to make anyone monitoring their communications think that they were with the Forest Service. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 66; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 6; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 22. 344 Thomas Sworn Statement, at 7; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 24. 345 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 23; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 7. Cooper heard "something that sounded like a vehicle coming from the area of the Rau house," but was not sure what it was. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 7. 346 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 7; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 24. 347 Thomas Sworn Statement, at 7; Norris Sworn Statement, at 9. 348 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 23 349 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 7 350 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 24: Thomas Sworn Statement, at 8. Thomas thought that the Weavers' reaction matched the description Hunt had given him earlier. Thomas Sworn Statement, at 7. A few hours after the shooting at the "Y," Hunt gave a videotaped briefing during which he said "{T}here was a response from the house, now this was not unusual, we'd seen this a hundred times before, we thought we heard a vehicle coming up the driveway . . . ." Transcript of Videotape of Hunt, August 21, 1992, at 9. 351 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 24. 352 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 28; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 23. 353 Kevin Harris said during an interview with the FBI on September 1, 1992, that he was also carrying a .22 caliber pistol. Sam, in addition to the mini 14, had a .357 caliber handgun. FD-302 Interview of Kevin Harris, September 1, 1992. 354 Letter by Sara Weaver, dated August 26, 1992 (Appendix at 27). 355 Harris FD-302, September 1, 1992, at 1. 356 The entry ended abruptly. Journal Entry of Vicki Weaver dated August 21, 1992. 357 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 20. 358 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 24; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 8. Hunt thought from the sound of the barking that the dogs were moving westward. He had not seen the dogs behave in this manner before. Hunt thought the dogs were barking "like they had the 'game treed'." Hunt Sworn Statement, at 25. 359 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 31. Cooper testified that they were trying to escape at that point and were no longer worried about making noise. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 65. 360 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 24; Norris Sworn Statement, at 9. Cooper decided while they were running that it might be necessary to "take out" the dog. He decided to use the suppressed .9mm for that purpose. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 95-96; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8. 361 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 24; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8. 362 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 24. Cooper mistakenly thought the OP team was referring to Harris. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8. 363 Thomas Sworn Statement, at 8. 364 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 25. Roderick testified that while they were running from Harris and the dog, they could have stopped and taken up defensive positions several times. "{I}f we hunkered down low to the ground, they way we were dressed, we probably could have taken them out" at several points along their escape route. They did not, though, because they "were still under orders not to have a confrontation with the Weaver family." Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 33, 35. 365 Id. at 38. 366 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 95-96; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8. 367 Id. at 8. 368 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 104-105. 369 The marshals gave statements to the FBI following the shooting and testified in the preliminary hearing before the grand jury and at trial. They also gave statements to this investigation. The Weavers and Harris did not testify either before or at trial, and declined to be interviewed for this inquiry. Their rendition of what occurred is derived from statements made by or attributed to them by others following the shootings and their surrender. 370 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 106, 251-253; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8-9. 371 Cooper referred to this as "dancing" with the dog. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 264. 372 Cooper called this position a "fox hole." Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 107-108; Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 7. 373 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 25; Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 53-55. 374 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 9. 375 Id. at 9-10; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 122-24. 376 Roderick FD-302, August 28, 1992, at 2-3. 377 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 249; {G.J.} Roderick FD-302, August 28, 1992, at 2. Cooper told Roderick that he thought Roderick had fired twice. Roderick FD-302, August 22 & 28, 1992, at 8. Roderick also thought that he might have fired two rounds. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 25. However, the physical evidence reveals that Roderick fired only once. FD-302 Interview of Mark Jurgensen, August 22, 1992, at 2. 378 Roderick FD-302, August 22 & 28, 1992, at 8. Roderick said that the shooting sounded "like it was all around us. There was bark and other debris flying as bullets hit the ground around me." Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 26; Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 100. The distance between where Roderick jumped into the brush after shooting the dog and Cooper's position was later measured as 39 feet. Roderick FD- 302, August 28, 1992, at 3. 379 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 138-39; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10; Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 6. Cooper heard and saw gunshots striking the ground near him and "bits of dirt and debris 'dancing' on the ground." Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10. 380 An FBI report quoted Cooper as suggesting that he held his gun over his head and fired blindly. Cooper FD-302, August 30, 1992, at 3. At trial, and to this investigation, Cooper insisted that he was misquoted and that he had aimed down the barrel of his rifle. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 277-84; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10. 381 Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 6; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 135-39. 382 Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 7; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10. 383 FD-302 Interview of Dr. Charles R. Lindholm, August 31, 1992, at 2. 384 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10; Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 7. 385 Norris Sworn Statement, at 9; Norris Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 53-54, 62-63, 76-77. 386 Thomas Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 18; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 9-11. 387 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 25; FD-302 Interview of Hunt, August 22, 1992, at 7. 388 Hunt thought that the shots had been fired from the front and above him to his left. Hunt was approximately 20 to 30 yards from the Y when they received the volley of gunfire. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 26. Thomas and Norris were about 50 yards behind him. Thomas did a somersault to avoid the fire and kept running. Thomas Sworn Statement, at 9. Hunt looked back at Thomas and Norris, saw them on the ground, and thought that they had been hit. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 26. Norris thought that Sara or Rachel Weaver fired the shots. The latter had been seen leaving the house carrying weapons shortly before the OP team started for the Y. Norris Sworn Statement, at 10. 389 Letter from Sara Weaver, August 26, 1992 (Appendix at 27). Weaver told Bo Gritz in a monitored conversation that "Sam opened up on the marshals when he saw 'em shoot the dog. That's when Kevin shot the officer. Because they shot Sam." Transcript of Conversation between Randy Weaver and Bo Gritz, August 29, 1992. In another conversation, recorded by the FBI, Randy Weaver told Jackie Brown that Harris "saw Sam get hit in the right arm. And he, he just wanted to stop 'em from shootin' at him. What the hell would anybody do?" Transcript of Conversation between Randy Weaver, Bo Gritz, and Jackie Brown, August 29, 1992. Randy Weaver has also claimed that he went "down to the Y and somebody jumped out in front of me, and yelled something. I headed back toward home, and I heard a shot, and I heard the dog yelp." Harris added, "Somebody shot the dog and, and it just, all the woods exploded with gunfire." Transcript of Interview of Weaver by Tom Brokaw, August 18, 1993, for "Now," NBC News. 390 Letter from Sara Weaver, August 26, 1992. 391 Harris FD-302, September 1, 1992, at 2-3; FD-302 Interview of Bo Gritz, September 10, 1992, at 1, and November 17, 1993, at 9. 392 Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 8. 393 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 160; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 26. 394 Roderick heard Norris say this over the radio. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 26. 395 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 28; Norris Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 71. Thomas did not recall hearing Cooper say he had shot Harris then. He did, however, receive a radio transmission from Cooper saying this about an hour after Thomas reached the Rau house. Thomas Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 22. 396 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 27; Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 122 ("[E}very time the Weavers heard a sound they just unloaded, they would start firing at any noise they heard"). 397 The most likely explanation for the uproar is that the Weavers had discovered Sammy Weaver's body. However, there was no mention of Sammy Weaver's name during the commotion. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 27; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 28. The marshals could not see anyone from their position. Roderick and Cooper assumed that the uproar meant that Harris had died from wounds received during the exchange of fire. Cooper Trial Testimony, April 25, 1993, at 170, April 16, 1993, at 527; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 27. 398 Roderick testified that he heard the plane about two hours after Thomas and Hunt had left. Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 125. See Norris Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 75. Roderick told Hunt to instruct the Federal Aviation Administration to restrict airspace around the mountain. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 27; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 168; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11. 399 Cooper characterized conditions as "miserable." Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 185; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11. The Crisis log says that Hunt reported at 5:08 p.m/. that it had started to rain. 400 Cooper and Roderick refused a suggestion from the Crisis Center that they leave Degan and "get out of there." Hunt Sworn Statement, at 31-32. 401 Roderick gave Hunt various orders as Hunt and Thomas worked their way down the mountain, such as to reestablish the observation post, block off the road, and obtain night vision equipment. Hunt relayed Roderick's instructions, but they were not followed. Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 27-28; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11. 402 Roderick specifically instructed surveillance team members on the evening of August 19 to avoid any encounter with the Weavers, particularly the children. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 20; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5; Norris FD-302, August 23 & 29, 1992, at 1. Roderick characterized himself as having been "brainwashed" about ensuring that "the children were . . . completely removed from the equation." Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 20. Thomas told us that the team had been instructed "to hide (from the children) and avoid them." Thomas Sworn Statement, at 4. 403 [Sealed by Court] [G.J.] 404 Moriarity FD-302, at 7. 405 Roderick considered a number of means of controlling the dogs when the time came to arrest Weaver. Deadly force and various chemical products were among the options. however, Roderick did not finalize a plan because the operation never reached the point when arrest was imminent. Roderick Trial Testimony, May 20, 1993, at 149-52, 154. 406 Thomas Sworn Statement, at 3. 407 Cooper had been involved in 1991 in a SOG operation in California where three SOG members and three National Guardsmen hiked several miles through dense woods to arrest a fugitive. on that project, Cooper was prepared to shoot the fugitive's dog if the dog and the fugitive was captured without incident. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 2, 4-5. 408 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 24. 409 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 8; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 16, 1993, at 455-60. After they heard Roderick say "the dogs are on us," Thomas and Hunt heard a radio transmission from someone on the Recon team about the possibility of shooting the dog. Thomas Sworn Statement, at 8; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 25. 410 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 9; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 16, 1993, at 478. 411 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 4. 412 Moriarity reported that there are bears and other large, often dangerous, animals in the woods of Northern Idaho. Such animals would be a legitimate concern for the team. Moriarity FD-302, at 7. The Marshals Service Firearms Policy provides that firearms may be used against animals "to prevent attack that threatens bodily injury." See Memo by Stanley E. Morris, (former) Director, U.S. Marshals Service, June 10, 1988, at 2. 413 We are troubled by the fact that there was no plan to deal with the dogs during the surveillance mission. The animals were known to be active and excitable, and there had been reports that one of the dogs, Striker, was aggressive and had attacked someone. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 5. The potential for an encounter certainly existed and ought to have been more thoroughly considered. 414 See Cooper Sworn Statement, at 4. 415 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 4; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 32; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 21. 416 [SEALED BY COURT] 417 [SEALED BY COURT] 418 Executive Operational Plans, March 27, April 10, May 20 & May 27, 1992. We note that Norris did not arrange for the medivac helicopter provided for in the Plan because the team did not anticipate contact with the Weavers. Norris Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 63-66; Norris Sworn Statement, at 8. 419 Norris Sworn Statement, at 2. Norris had been trained to deal with wounds ranging from cuts and abrasions to gunshots. 420 [SEALED BY COURT] 421 Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 66-67, 88. See Thomas Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 17. 422 Hunt was also not concerned about Roderick throwing the rocks. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 23. 423 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 188-89. 424 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 22-23; Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 190 425 We are again unsettled by the absence of a plan for the possibility that the dogs would locate the marshals' position. This omission is symptomatic of a larger problem, the lack of a plan to follow should the Weavers discover the marshals. For instance, all three marshals abandoned the observation post once the shooting began at the Y. Although their desire to go to the aid of their colleagues is understandable, the law enforcement components that responded to the mountain were deprived of vital information on the Weavers' location and movements in the hours that followed the shooting. 426 Again, there was no contingency plan to keep someone at the observation post, should the Weavers pursue the reconnaissance team. The marshals who remained on the mountain with Degan's body following the shootout asked Hunt to place someone in the observation post to observe the Weavers. Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11. This was not done. 427 Roderick's weapon had been loaded with 27 rounds, as had Degan's. Cooper's 9mm had been loaded with 25 rounds. Jurgensen FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 2-3; Jurgensen Sworn Statement, at 12; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 14. 428 Defense counsel likewise described the marshal's fire as "wild." Defendants' Memorandum, at 4. 429 Ruth Rau believes that she heard approximately 50 shots fired during the initial exchange of gunfire, which she estimated as lasting two minutes. See Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 8. Fourteen of these rounds were fired by the marshals. 430 Autopsy Report by Mick Mellett, Boundary County Coroner, August 25, 1992, at 4. 431 Cooper testified that "all these things [are] compressed into a few seconds,it's difficult to remember exactly what happened first." Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 264. 432 FD-302 Interview of Dr. Charles R. Lindholm, August 25, 1992, at 2. 433 Trial Testimony of Dr. Martin L. Fackler, June 8, 1993, at 127-28, 185-86. 434 Fackler Trial Testimony, June 8, 1993, at 186. 435 Letter by Sara Weaver, August 26, 1992. 437 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10. 438 Fackler Trial Testimony, June 8, 1993, at 177, 183. This inquiry asked Dr. H. Edward Lane to independently evaluate whether Degan could have fired after he had been wounded. Dr. Lane also concluded that it would have been possible for Degan to fire, but Degan's accuracy at that point could not be determined. FD-302 Interview of Dr. H. Edward Lane, August 11, 1993. 439 Id. at 183-184. 440 Cooper was surprised the next day when the FBI reported that snipers had shot Harris, because he was certain that he had wounded Harris at the Y. See Cooper Sworn Statement, at 12-13. 441 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 9-10; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 122-34. 442 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 340; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 10, 13. 443 Cooper FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 6; Cooper Sworn Statement at 10. 444 Jurgensen Sworn Statement, at 14; FD-302 Interview of John Twomey, November 26, 1993, at 3. According to Director Hudson, Twomey may have said that Sammy Weaver might have been wounded. Hudson FD-302, at 4. Twomey reported that he told Hudson that Sammy had been on the scene, but that there was "no indication of his being shot." Twomey FD-302, at 3. Hudson agreed that the Marshals Service did not know that Sammy had been killed until his body was found. Hudson FD-302, at 6-7. 445 Cooper Sworn Statement, at 11; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 27; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 28. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED E. Activation of FBI hostage Rescue Team and SWAT Teams on August 21, 1992 and Initial Intelligence Gathering. 1. Introduction Soon after the U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters learned of the shooting at Ruby Ridge it contacted FBI Headquarters officials. A decision was made to deploy the FBI Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT") to Ruby Ridge. Allegations have been made that the deployment of the HRT on August 21 was based on false information about the dangerousness of Randy Weaver, the situation at Ruby Ridge and the August 21 exchange of gunfire. In addition, it has been contended that the activation of the HRT and regional FBI Swat Teams was an improper, unnecessary, and exaggerated response to the situation. Specifically, critics have suggested that local law enforcement agents, who rescued the marshals, should have been left to resolve the situation and that the U.S. Marshals Service should have remained in charge. There has also been a claim that the federal response was driven by an influential Department of Justice official who had been a close friend of Deputy U.S. Marshal Degan and the Degan family. Critics have also charged that the FBI failed to assess the situation accurately after the August 21 shooting in large part because they failed to carefully gather and verify information on the background of the Weaver/Harris group and the events that transpired at the Y. The faulty information gathering techniques of the FBI is alleged to have contributed to the subsequent shots fired on August 22, 1992. 2. Statement of Facts a. The Marshals' Report of the Shooting Following the shooting at the Y, Deputy Marshal David Hunt, who was familiar with the terrain of the mountain, and Deputy Marshal Joseph Thomas left, at approximately 10:45 a.m. to get aid. They headed through the woods to the Rau house [FN446] where they arrived approximately 40 minutes later. Hunt immediately placed a "911" call for assistance which was received by the Boundary County Sheriff's Office, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at 11:20 a.m. Hunt told the dispatcher: I have an emergency situation on my hands..... I got one officer dead. I got (inaudible) pinned down. I need help quick.....I want the State Police, I want all the help that I can get. I gotta go back in for more officers that are trapped. [FN447] Next, Hunt called Marshals Service Headquarters in Washington, DC and told Tony Perez, Chief of Enforcement Operations, that before the shooting began, a dog had picked up the marshals' scent and that they had run to avoid the Weavers. Hunt spoke of a "heck of a gunfight," in which Harris killed Degan. Hunt told Perez that he had not heard any gunfire since leaving the mountain. [FN448] Shortly thereafter, Hunt told Chief Deputy Ron Narvarro of the Boundary County Sheriff's Office that the marshals were still on the hill and that they required assistance. Hunt did not say that the marshals were "pinned down." [FN449] The Marshals Service Crisis Center ("Crisis Center") was activated under the direction of Duke Smith, Deputy Director of Operations, and the Special Operations Group ("SOG") was alerted to deploy. [FN450] Hunt was transferred to an open line in the Crisis Center, on which he explained: Initial reports indicate that the USMS surveillance team came under fire from occupants of the Weaver compound and are still pinned down in defensive positions. [FN451] (Emphasis added.) Twenty five minutes later, at 12:05 p.m., Hunt reported to the Crisis Center: Local sheriff has SWAT team on the way to the scene, which [sic] is no longer taking fire . . . . Team [of marshals] was trying to pull out when Weaver's dog alerted, team drew multiple volleys of fire from the house. Degan was struck in the chest. Return fire killed on e of Weaver's dogs. The rest of the team is still located on the mountain, but not under fire, unable to withdraw without exposing themselves to hostile fire. [FN452] (Emphasis added.) FBI Special Agent Donald Glasser was detailed to the Crisis Center. Perez briefed Glasser at approximately 1:00 p.m. and used the term "pinned down" to describe the marshals' state, but did not say that the marshals were "receiving fire." [FN453] By this time, agents from the U.S. Border Patrol, the Boundary County Sheriff's Office, and the Idaho State Police had reached the scene. The Idaho State Police Critical Response Team ("CRI") and the Marshals Service SOG unit were en route. [FN454] Various law enforcement officers ran sirens to "send a message to the mountain that they were there." [FN455] In the afternoon, Hunt spoke to Mays in the Marshals Service Office in Boise. Mays asked for an account of the events so that he could prepare court papers, if needed. Hunt started to tell Mays about the events of August 21 when Marshal Johnson took the phone. Later Johnson repeated to Mays what Hunt had told him. Mays used this information to prepare an affidavit in support of a warrant to search the Weaver cabin and property. [FN456] At some point, Cooper told Hunt that he may have shot Harris. this information was passed to the Crisis Center.[FN457] Hunt briefed many of the law enforcement officers on the scene, giving a detailed listing of the weapons each member of the Weaver family was known to carry. He told them he did not believe that there were booby traps on the property.[FN458] John Twomey, Deputy Director of Administration, informed Director Hudson of the shooting, while the latter was en route to North Carolina. Twomey reported that, according to Hunt, the Weaver dogs had been "spooked" by the marshals, Harris had killed Degan, and the marshals were pinned down. Twomey added that Hunt assumed that the marshals were still receiving gunfire. [FN459] Hudson instructed Twomey to notify Douglas Gow, FBI Associate Deputy Director of Investigations, at FBI Headquarters, of the incident. b. Decision to Deploy the HRT The FBI's involvement in the Idaho crisis began when U.S. Marshals Service Director Henry Hudson told FBI Associate Deputy Director W. Douglas Gow that a Deputy U.S. Marshal had been shot and killed in Northern Idaho; That two other deputy marshals remained pinned down, having previously received heavy gunfire from several subjects; and that the Department of Justice had instructed that the FBI would be the lead agency handling the situation. Director Hudson and Gow scheduled a meeting for 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the situation. [FN460] Before the meeting with the Marshals Service, FBI Assistant Director Larry Potts told FBI Violent Crimes and Major Offenders Section Chief E. Michael Kahoe to learn as much as he could about the incident. thereafter, Kahoe called Special Agent in Charge Eugene F. Glenn of the FBI's Salt Lake City Division at approximately 5:30 p.m. EDT (3:30 p.m. MDT). He told Glenn that a deputy marshal had been shot and killed during a firefight in Northern Idaho, that Gow had been called by the Marshals Service Headquarters and that FBI assistance had been requested. Kahoe said Hudson was en route to FBI headquarters to provide additional details to senior Bureau managers. [FN461] Glenn realized that there would be few resources in Northern Idaho and initiated a series of actions to prepare for a probable FBI response. he instructed Special Agent George J. Calley at the Boise FBI Office to obtain additional details of the incident. Calley subsequently reported that he had learned from U.S. Marshal Michael Johnson that, during a fugitive investigation, one deputy marshal had been killed, another had been wounded, and additional marshals were pinned down near the site of the original gunfire. In addition, Calley learned that the primary subject in this matter was Randy Weaver and that the current priority of the Marshals Service was to rescue the marshals on the hill. [FN462] Glenn relayed this information to Kahoe and over the next several hours, it was agreed that he would begin an FBI SWAT Team call-up in the Salt Lake Division and would prepare for deployment to Northern Idaho. Glenn also agreed with FBI Headquarters to deploy the Portland and Seattle SWAT teams and accepted management assistance from Special Agent in Charge William D. Gore, Seattle Division. [FN463] When Gow received word of the assault, he called Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Rogers, Commander of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT"). The HRT is a specialized full-time tactical team, based at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Although its original purpose was to handle high-risk terrorist, hostage situations, its mission has evolved to cover a variety of sensitive, high-risk situations.[FN464] At 4:30 p.m. EDT, Gow told Rogers that a deputy marshal had been shot and killed in Northern Idaho, that other deputy marshals were still pinned down there, and that the Marshals Service had requested assistance. As a result, the HRT was put on alert. [FN465] Gow, Potts, and Deputy Assistant Director Danny O. Coulson met with Hudson and Marshals Service officials John Twomey and Herb Rutherford. Hudson described the situation and requested FBI assistance. He conveyed an urgency in the request, explaining that: "one DUSM had been shot, two DUSMs were 'pinned down,' a third DUSM was relaying information. The concern at the time was to get these deputies out of 'harms way' before additional casualties were incurred." [FN466] Hudson and the others reported that a team of marshals had been attempting to perform reconnaissance in preparation for serving an arrest warrant on Randy Weaver. They asserted that: [O]ne of the DUSMs had been attacked by a dog, and had shot the dog, which started a firefight. During the firefight, one DUSM had been killed and his body and the remaining surviving DUSMs had been able to escape and get to a telephone, the remaining DUSMs were in only sporadic radio contact, and their exact location was not known. The reported heavy fire had been directed at the DUSMs from numerous locations . . . the team of DUSMs had not intended a confrontation with the subjects, and had attempted to flee when confronted by the dog and subjects, but had been chased by the subjects, before the shooting death of the DUSM occurred. [FN467] During this meeting, the FBI representatives were shown an aerial photograph of the Weaver cabin and the surrounding area and were told that Weaver and his associates would leave their [Editor's Note: Page 135 in the text is unavailable, which includes footnotes 468 to 472.] cabin. It was believed that Weaver knew well the extremely rugged terrain near his cabin. He had told the media that he would not be captured alive and that the only way he would leave his cabin would be to die in a shoot-out. His entire family, including his wife and children, was reported to be heavily armed. [FN473] Following the meeting, Gow briefed the FBI Director William Sessions and called the Deputy Attorney Generals office in the Department of Justice. Although Gow acknowledged that Degan was a "high profile individual within the USMS", Gow stated there was no pressure on the FBI to activate the HRT by friends of Degan. [FN474] Robert Mueller, then Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, was a professional acquaintance of Deputy Marshal Degan's as they had both worked in Boston while Mueller was in the U.S. Attorney's Office. Mueller, however was not even in town during the first days of the crisis. Gow thought that Potts may have also known Degan in Boston. HRT deployments must be initiated by the Assistant Director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division ("CID"). After consulting with FBI Deputy Assistant Director Coulson, Potts decided to deploy the HRT fully. He had no conversation with anyone outside the FBI regarding this decision and was not pressured to deploy the HRT. Potts acknowledged, however, that he consulted with Coulson whom he considers the most knowledgeable tactical operations manager in the Bureau. They concluded that this would be an "extremely high-risk operation, possibly the highest risk situation [they] could encounter," given the information about Weaver's Special Forces background; his knowledge of explosives; the fact his children were trained with weapons; and his possible Aryan Nations affiliation. It was their understanding that: One law enforcement officer had already been killed, and others remained "pinned down," unable to be extricated. The attack on the retreating DUSMs had been extremely aggressive in nature, with a "barrage of gunfire" having been directed at them. The situation was so sever that these USMs, who were specially trained, were afraid to move. They were located in a remote area of rugged terrain, which was well known to the subjects. The family of Randy Weaver was armed, including his children. It was unknown whether the surviving DUSM's were still receiving fire and it was not known whether the subjects had reinforcements, were in the Weaver cabin, in the woods near the cabin, or whether they had escaped. Because of Randy Weaver's military background, it was believed that the subjects may have built tunnels and bunkers, making any approach to the area exceedingly dangerous. [FN475] Rogers was notified of the decision to deploy and immediately departed aboard an FBI aircraft. The Strategic Information and Operations Center ("SIOC") at FBI Headquarters was activated and other routine investigative steps were instituted. The Special Operations and Research Unit ("SOARS") in Quantico was notified to provide negotiators. Neither Potts nor Coulson had any discussions with persons from the Department of Justice, outside the FBI or the United States Marshals Service, regarding their decision to activate the HRT until after the decision had been made. That evening Gow discussed the trouble the FBI was having in getting HRT transportation to the crisis site with Attorney General Barr, who appeared to know about the situation. They discussed the "red tape" preventing the transportation of the main body of the HRT to Idaho. [FN476] c. Initial Intelligence Gathering and Rescue of the Marshals HRT commander Rogers departed for Idaho at approximately 6:30 p.m. EDT on August 21 with an advance team of HRT personnel, including Supervisory Special Agent Stephen McGavin, and Special Agents Lester B. Hazen and Dale F. Carnegie, accompanied by Marshals Service Deputy Director Duke Smith. Potts had instructed Rogers to advise Coulson immediately after an on-site assessment had been made. Potts knew that the Idaho State Police SWAT Team was on the scene, but Potts would not authorize them to rescue the surviving marshals until an FBI on scene evaluation of the mission had been made. The Marshals Service had not been authorized to conduct tactical operations and, as far as Potts knew, they were involved only in perimeter assignments given by the FBI. When the first FBI personnel arrived at the crisis site, Potts was advised that no shots had been fired for some time and that communications with the surviving marshals would make it possible to locate them. Captain David Neal, Commander of the Idaho State Police CRT, was informed of the incident and proceeded to the command post at the RAU meadow. After a briefing from Hunt, Neal decided that the CRT would wait until nightfall to rescue the marshals so as to avoid ambush by the Weavers. [FN477] A ten man CRT team, along with Deputy Marshal Thomas, left the command post at approximately 8:30 p.m. PDT (11:30 p.m. EDT). [FN478] The night was "pitch," and only two member of the team had night vision equipment. The others made their way by placing their hands on the person in front of them and forming a chain.[FN479] They proceeded slowly and with extreme caution for fear of being ambushed or encountering booby traps. At 11:21 p.m. PDT, the team reached the marshals at the Y. When Captain Neal arrived at the Y he was concerned about the security of the CRT team and asked Roderick for an update. The first thing Roderick told Neal was, "I shot the dog." [FN480] The CRT team secured Degan's body and headed down the mountain. The return was long and difficult due to the extreme darkness and the burden of Degan's body. They returned to the Command Post and 12:46 a.m. PDT. Earlier that day, Marshal Jurgensen had been dispatched to Idaho to render assistance. When the marshals were rescued, he accompanied the five marshals to a hospital at Bonners Ferry, Idaho. [FN481] The marshals kept their weapons because of reports that Weaver supporters were on their way to the hospital. [FN482] They were examined briefly at the hospital and then released. Thereafter, Jurgensen drove the marshals to the condominium at Schwaitzer Mountain, where they arrived at approximately 3:00 a.m. By this time, Roderick, Cooper, Thomas, Norris and Hunt had been awake nearly 24 hours. After awhile, they went to sleep. [FN483] Jurgenson collected the marshals' weapons and counted the ammunition. From this inspection, he determined that Hunt, Norris, and Thomas had not fired any shots; Roderick had fired one shot from his M16 rifle; Cooper had fired six shots from the .9mm; and seven shots had been fired from Degan's weapon. [FN484] Meanwhile, while en route to Idaho, Smith briefed Rogers and the other HRT personnel on the Weaver case. Rogers had seen a photograph of the crisis area, which Smith described as an isolated area of extremely rugged terrain. According to Rogers, Smith provided the following background on the family: [G.J.] Rogers also testified at trial about the impression of the crisis that Smith conveyed: Smith said the aggression was on the part of the members of the Weaver family and that Degan....and the others were actually pursued while attempting to retreat from Randall Weaver and Kevin Harris and after being observed by those subjects.....He told me that the family was heavily armed, they had both pistols and rifles. There was an indication that they might possibly.....have some armor- piercing ammunition. It was unclear as to whether there were grenades or explosives, because of Mr. Weaver's background in the military....I certainly had the impression that this was a heavily armed group, and based on what he had told me concerning the fire-fight breaking out and Marshal Degan dying, it was clear to me that they were willing to use these weapons. [FN486] Smith related Weaver's threats that a standoff would only end in his death, and explained that the Weaver family had threatened other law enforcement officials on numerous occasions. In response to letters about the pending charges, he stated that the Weavers asserted that Randy was not coming down willingly. Both Randy and Vicki Weaver had commented at an initial appearance that any attempts to arrest them would result in the deaths of law enforcement officers. Randy Weaver had told a local reporter that he would not come off the mountain. The Weavers sent letters to both state and federal court officials regarding Randy Weaver's unwillingness to face charges. Smith also reported that Weaver had been a Green Beret and had expertise in the manufacture of explosives and booby traps. He described the Weaver compound as a mountain stronghold, inaccessible except by a single extremely rough road, and protected by fighting positions. Smith reported that TV show host Geraldo Rivera had unsuccessfully attempted to interview Weaver and that there were unconfirmed reports that Weaver had fired at Rivera's helicopter. [FN487] [G.J.] [G.J.] Rogers said that it was his impression that a firefight was either "still in progress" or there was "intermittent gunfire taking place" or "sporadic gunfire . . . through the evening". He believed that the marshals were still on the mountain and that they could not extract Degan's body. [FN489] Rogers considered the subjects to be potentially still in an offensive, aggressive mode, and he concluded that the situation was dangerous with the potential for additional violence. [FN490] Potts and Coulson relayed to Glenn the information about the crisis situation that the Marshals Service had provided. Prior to Glenn's arrival Hunt had briefed two FBI agents who had responded to the call for assistance. He gave them information on the Weaver family and Kevin Harris, an overview of the morning's events, and a description of Weaver's tactical operations and defensive positions. Hunt told them that Weaver and the others had pulled back to their defensive positions and were preparing for and awaiting the arrival of government agents. Hunt also briefed local law enforcement officials. [FN491] These were the only times that Hunt was asked for information, with one exception. Late in the evening of August 21, Hunt was summoned to the command post and asked for the best position for sniper/observers. Hunt identified the high ground overlooking the Weaver compound and located it on a map. He was surprised that he was not asked additional questions. The FBI did not inquire about the intelligence he had collected during the early hours of the response. However, Idaho State Police and others retrieved his case files, including surveillance photos and topographic maps, from the Marshals Service command post. Hunt was frustrated that his files were disassembled and distributed without his consent. When Special Agent in Charge Eugene Glenn arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho, about 7:00 p.m.(PDT), deputies from the Boundary County Sheriff's Office took him and members of the Salt Lake SWAT Team and Technical Agents to a National Guard Armory to be briefed by law enforcement personnel. Deputy Sheriff Lonnie Ekstrom told Glenn that Randy Weaver was a violent, former Green Beret and explosives expert, who reportedly had a large cache of arms concealed on his property. Because of Weaver's political and religious beliefs, he had separated himself from the community and was living off the land. Weaver was said to have constructed bunkers and fortifications around his home and claimed he wanted to have a show down or last stand with the federal government. Ekstrom told Glenn that Weaver had stated he would never be taken off the mountain and in fact had not come down for nearly 18 months. [FN492] Glenn was told that Weaver was with at least one or two other people who may also have been present during the exchange of gunfire. He was told that these people, as well as Weaver's entire family, were committed to similar religious and political beliefs, such as white separatism and supremacism and an intense hatred of the federal government. [FN493] Following this briefing, Glenn travelled to the Command Post at Ruby Ridge, arriving at approximately 9:30 p.m. (PDT). Special Agent Wages told Glenn that it was believed that Randy Weaver, Vicki Weaver, their children, and at least one additional individual, Kevin Harris, were in the cabin. [FN494] Glenn began to solicit information from Idaho State Police Major Edwin Strickfaden, who was commanding the "predominant agency on site" and other "senior personnel from all of the major agencies at the scene."[FN495] Those personnel included the U.S. Marshal for Idaho, Michael Johnson, and Boundary County Deputy Sheriff, Lonnie Ekstrom. Glenn described the shooting incident to Special Agent in Charge William Gore, who arrived at the command post approximately 45 minutes after Glenn. Gore joined Glenn at the briefing, then in progress with the Idaho State Police, Boundary County Sheriff, and Marshals Service personnel. They learned that the Marshals Service was reporting that Kevin Harris may have been shot during the shootout. There was a report that the marshals still on the mountain had received sporadic gunfire until after dark. [FN496] U.S. Marshal Johnson provided information about BATF's investigation of Weaver, his arrest, failure to appear, and the entry of the Marshals Service into the case. Weaver was described as a "white supremacist who had been affiliated with the Aryan Nation." [FN497] In spite of the fact that the marshals were rescued in the early morning hours of August 22, first-hand information about the incident which began the crisis was not gathered immediately because the marshals were not made available until 2:00 p.m. Glenn reported that he "did not have the opportunity" earlier on to speak with any of the marshals who had been on the hill. He "wanted access to them but the USMS denied this request in order to give the Deputies time to compose themselves after their ordeal."[FN498] Glenn learned that first night that a cold front was approaching, with rain, snow, and temperatures in and around the twenties, and that the terrain around the crisis site was severe. There was no current intelligence as to the tactical preparations the Weavers might be making to engage law enforcement, but Glenn knew that agents would have to take positions close to Weaver's residence to address the situation properly. Glenn believed that Weaver was aware that he had been involved in killing a federal law enforcement officer and that he was intentionally resisting arrest. Glenn was concerned about possible reinforcements from the ranks of Weaver's supporters. Because of the information he had gathered and his understanding of the capabilities of someone with military training ascribed to Weaver, Glenn was seriously concerned for the safety of personnel at the scene. He saw Weaver as someone "trained in the tactics of escape and evasion, who had now chosen to fortify himself and remain at his cabin, when he could have effected an escape from capture." Glenn thought that he was "facing an individual who may have made considerable prior arrangements to inflict serious casualties or damage on any individual(s) who may attempt to challenge him."[FN499] Therefore, he decided that no aggressive effort should be made to attempt to arrest the subjects until additional tactical resources arrived. The goal to this point was to stabilize the situation, avoiding contact with the Weavers until the situation had been contained. With the arrival of the HRT, Glenn believed it was possible for the FBI to establish a perimeter around the Weaver cabin to assess the situation and establish communications with the cabin. Glenn thought those steps were necessary to resolve the situation peacefully through negotiations. [FN500] By early morning, August 22, HRT Commander Rogers and the HRT advance unit had arrived, along with senior Marshals Service personnel. Rogers reported Glenn: I asked Mr. Glenn for a quick briefing as to what the current situation was up on the mountain. He told me that they had managed to get Marshal Degan's body off and extricate the remaining marshals. Other than that, it was basically unknown what was taking place up around the cabin, because there were no law enforcement directly with eyes on at the shooting site or at the Weaver cabin. [FN501] Rogers knew that the firefight was not continuing, [FN504] but this did not change his opinion of the danger. [FN505] [G.J] Like Glenn and Gore, Rogers did not talk to any of the marshals involved in the shooting because he had been told that they were asleep or were being treated for exposure. According to Rogers, the "implication" of this report "was that they were not available to me and that they would certainly have to be debriefed before I would have a chance to talk to them... debriefed I assumed by their own marshals." [FN507] Although Rogers had not definitively concluded that Weaver had shot at a federal officer, he had concluded that Weaver "clearly demonstrated that he was willing to shoot at federal officers," in spite of the fact that he knew of no one who had seen Weaver shoot or point a gun at anybody. [FN508] The next Morning, Tony Perez spoke by telephone to Cooper, Roderick, and Norris and received "bits and fragments' of information. [FN509] Duke Smith, Deputy Director of Operations and the highest ranking Marshal Service official at the scene, visited to offer emotional support. Smith did not interview the marshals , and he received only a few details of the shooting. [FN510] The marshals told Smith that Harris had shot Degan, that Cooper may have killed Harris, and that Roderick shot the dog after the gunfire had started. [FN511] One of the marshals mentioned that Sammy Weaver was present, but there was no evidence that he had been injured. Smith spent approximately 30 minutes at the condominium. [FN512] Jurgensen drove Cooper, Roderick, and Hunt to the Boundary County Sheriff's Office for interviews by the FBI later that day. Thomas and Norris were interviewed the following day. [FN513] After the interviews, Cooper and Roderick went to the staging area by the Rau house. They offered their assistance to John Haynes and Lou Stagg of SOG, but were told that their help was not needed. [FN514] Cooper and Roderick informed HRT members about the layout of the Weaver complex, the terrain, and weaponry. They told the HRT that there were no booby traps or mines on the Weaver property. After that short debriefing, no one consulted with Cooper and Roderick again. [FN515] Duke Smith recalled Jurgensen telling him that the deputy marshals had been to the Boundary County Hospital for physical checkups and then taken to their command post condominium at Shweitzer Mountain. Smith recalled that Jurgensen had asked him to postpone his visit with the five marshals, who had been part of the August 21 team, until the afternoon of August 22. When Smith went to the command post that afternoon, Deputy Marshals Cooper and Roderick spoke to him about their mission but he did not formally interview them or debrief them. [FN516] Smith said the marshals were available to the FBI at all times and the marshals even came to the site on Saturday and Sunday. Smith told this inquiry that he never restricted access to the marshals for intelligence purposes. [FN517] 3. Discussion a. The Marshals' Report of the Shooting There have been allegations that the marshals involved in the shooting and others in the Marshals Service intentionally concealed the marshals' role in the August 21 shooting. It has also been charged that the Marshals Service lied about Weaver's dangerousness and the circumstances at the time of the shooting to gain the FBI's support and assistance and to cover up a confrontation with the Weavers' son, Sammy. At trial, the defense contended that a deputy marshal had fired the first shot, which killed the family dog Striker. After that shot a marshal knowingly and fatally shot Sammy Weaver in the back as he retreated from the firefight. The defense also contended that Sammy Weaver responded to the killing of his dog with gunfire, which Degan returned, and that Harris shot Degan in defense of himself and Sammy only after these events had occurred and because they were subjected to gunfire. Those who believe that sequence of events, particularly after Weaver and Harris' acquittal for Degan's murder, have charged that the marshals involved in the shooting engaged in a coverup to protect themselves. That coverup is said to have included exaggerated accounts of aggressive acts at the shootout on August 21, Weaver's role in the events, and the danger of Weaver and Harris. One area repeatedly challenged at trial was the claim that the marshals were "pinned down" and had sustained "continuing fire" hours after the fatal shots had been fired. [FN518] Defense counsel alleged in pretrial motions that after the shooting at the Y, Hunt falsely reported to his superiors and to other law enforcement agencies that the marshals who remained with Degan's body were "pinned down in a fire fight." [FN519] We did not find any evidence that Hunt or any of the marshals claimed that they were receiving continual fire well after the exchange at the Y. The debate focuses on Hunt's use of the phrase "pinned down." This inquiry has determined that "pinned down" is not a term of art in law enforcement with a universally accepted meaning. Although Hunt used the words "pinned down" in his first call for help to the Boundary County Sheriff's Office shortly after the shooting, he also repeatedly advised Marshal Service Headquarters as the day progressed that there was no "continuing fire fight." Less than an hour after his first call for help, Hunt notified his superiors at Marshal Service Headquarters that the marshals were not receiving continual fire. He also reported this to other law enforcement officers arriving at the scene. [FN520] Officials from many different law enforcement agencies were told throughout the remainder of the day that the marshals were "pinned down." [FN521] If they concluded that the marshals were under constant fire, that was the result, in our view, of miscommunication or misunderstanding. [FN522] Hunt's reports to the Crisis Center are consistent with the accounts given by the marshals on the mountain. They believed they were "pinned down" in the sense that they were "outflanked" by the Weavers and might come under fire if they moved. [FN523] We conclude that the marshals did not deliberately attempt to mislead other law enforcement agencies about the events at the Y or the condition of the marshals still on the mountain. b. Decision to Deploy the HRT Our investigation found that the HRT was properly deployed to Idaho to address this crisis, a deployment, which, in accordance with FBI policy, had received specific approval from the Assistant director of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters. The training of HRT members and its ability to be deployed quickly made HRT a reasonable choice in this instance. Furthermore, jurisdiction for the investigation of assaults on federal officers ("AFO") rests with the FBI. Although this began as a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms case and became a Marshals Service case, the Marshals Service does not have primary jurisdiction for investigating AFOs. In addition, Marshals Service supervisors were understandably concerned that action by the Marshals Service would appear to have been taken in retaliation. The federal law enforcement response to the crisis at Ruby Ridge has been seen by some as an inappropriate insertion of the federal government into a local matter, which would have been better left to the state and local authorities to resolve. In particular, the federal government has been criticized for overreacting and overwhelming the area. As evidence of the ability of local and state forces to have handled the crisis, we not the rapid response they made to the stranded marshals and the successful night rescue. Various state and local law enforcement agencies were included in the early stages of intelligence gathering, and they played a continuing critical role in controlling the perimeter and keeping the peace during this controversial siege. However, it appears that they were not part of strategy and planning sessions as the siege continued. We can understand the opinion that Idaho State and local law enforcement should have led the efforts to resolve the crisis. However, it appears this is an after-the-fact view of events. Arguably, if the federal government had not responded to the crisis at Ruby Ridge, that inaction would also have been criticized. This situation had been generated by a federal warrant based on a federal indictment involving federal law enforcement agencies. In attempting to effectuate a federal arrest, a federal officer had been killed, and the subjects of that shooting and the outstanding warrant remained at large. In light of these circumstances and the resources available to the federal response teams, we find reasonable and appropriate the decision to send FBI SWAT teams, the HRT, and the Marshals Service SOG to resolve this matter. c. Initial Intelligence Gathering In this section we discuss what the FBI did in the first 36 hours to verify the information it had obtained and to secure the best and most current information. Our investigation addressed criticism concerning the failure of Special Agent in Charge Glenn and HRT Commander Richard Rogers during their first hours at the site to update intelligence from more knowledgeable people present. Almost within hours of setting up the command centers at Marshal Service Crisis Center and FBI Headquarters, both agencies had representatives at each other's command centers to aid communication. [FN524] The Crisis Center log reflects regular communications with the FBI SIOC. Although efforts to facilitate communications were made at Headquarters, we did not find intelligence gathering at the site to have been sufficiently thorough under the circumstances. Although Glenn spoke with the heads of the agencies at the scene, there were gaps in Glenn and Rogers' information about the underlying events caused by their failure to debrief the marshals involved in the shootout. We not specifically Glenn's failure to discuss the situation with Deputy Marshal Hunt, who had been present at the command post until the marshals and Degan's body had been rescued from the mountain. Hunt had been the primary source of information to Marshal Service Headquarters throughout the day, and he was the link with the other marshals who had been eyewitnesses to the day's events. Moreover, Hunt had been the lead case agent in Boise since 1991 and would have been the most valuable resource for information on the Weavers background and their circumstances. Rogers and Glenn also failed to discuss the situation with the other marshals at the site the next day. During this inquiry, we reviewed a videotape made at the site during Hunt's second briefing at the command post. The briefing contained valuable information based on intelligence the Marshals Service and especially Hunt had gathered over many months of surveillance. Significantly, Glenn admitted that when he was formulating the operational plan and Rules of Engagement, he was unaware that the Marshals Service had been on numerous missions to Ruby Ridge before August 21. [FN525] When questioned about the failure to interview the marshals, Glenn asserted that they were not made available after his arrival. We find little support for this assertion. Duke Smith, who had arrived with Rogers and was at the command site most of the day, knew where the marshals were. We found no evidence that anyone denied the FBI access to the marshals after they had been taken to the hospital and allowed to rest. In fact, the marshals felt ignored by those who had taken command. This feeling may have been justified. This inquiry also considered whether the Marshals Service tried to prepare the marshals for their interviews. FBI agents assigned to interview the marshals had been told to expect them the morning after the shooting. However, the marshals did not arrive until later in the day. Deputy Marshal Jurgensen, who had been ordered to look after the marshals once they were off the mountain, was not notified that the marshals were scheduled for interviews on Saturday morning. [FN526] We are satisfied that there was no impropriety regarding the timing of the marshals' appearance. We also find no evidence that the marshals were coached before their interviews. We note that the marshals were kept together for several hours before giving their statements. We question the wisdom of keeping the marshals together at the condominium for several hours, while awaiting interviews with the FBI. Isolating them in that manner created the appearance and generated allegations that they were fabricating stories and colluding to coverup the true circumstances of the shootings at the Y. These allegations could have been avoided by separating the witnesses until their interviews and debriefings. However, we acknowledge that security and health interests may have made such an arrangement appear necessary on the first evening following the rescue. However, this investigation has found no proof that the Marshals Service or the marshals themselves coordinated or altered their individual accounts of the events on the mountain. Certainly, there are enough differences in the marshals' statements to diffuse an accusation of collusion. Although the marshals had lengthy interviews on Saturday and Sunday with FBI agents and returned to the command post on Saturday and Sunday, none of them were interviewed by the FBI senior management team of Glenn, Rogers, or Fred Lanceley, the FBI's chief negotiator at the scene. In fact, Lanceley was not aware of the FBI interviews of the marshals until days later. It is not clear when the information developed in these interviews was shared with Glenn and Rogers. This inquiry found no misrepresentation of the status of the marshals as they remained on the mountain. Glenn and FBI Headquarters knew that there had been no gunfire after the original shooting, with the exception of shots at a passing aircraft. The term "pinned down" was not understood or intended to indicate the marshals were taking continuous fire. [FN527] It is difficult to estimate the impact additional intelligence gathering would have had on the decisions made during the crisis. Much of the information the FBI considered in assessing the danger and formulating Rules of Engagement and operational plans was consistent with what they would have heard from the marshals. Marshals Service Headquarters files contained information from BATF and other sources during the threat assessment and the eighteen-month fugitive investigation by the Marshals Service. The files included information about Weaver's military experience, his stockpiling of weapons and ammunition, the arming of the Weaver family, his Aryan Nations affiliation, and his refusal to surrender. We found the background information on Weaver, which the Marshals Service have the FBI and which served as a basis for the HRT deployment and the development of plans to secure the site, consistent with the information that was available in the Marshals Service files before August 21. 4. Conclusion We found no evidence that the Marshals Service intentionally covered up or exaggerated Weaver's background or the events that had occurred at the Y in order to obtain assistance from other law enforcement personnel. However, we did find that the initial intelligence gathering by the FBI lacked thoroughness because of its failure early in the crisis to seek information from the Marshals Service personnel who had been ion the mountain on August 21. Finally, this inquiry found that there was no abuse of discretion in the activation of the HRT in this situation. It was legally and factually justified and consistent with department of Justice policy and procedures. No evidence was discovered during this inquiry that the decision to deploy HRT was based on improper or personal motives. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART E) 446 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 28; Thomas Sworn Statement, at 11. The Raus, who were Weaver's neighbors, had been aware of the marshals' presence. 447 Transcript of call by Hunt to "911," August 21, 1992. Ruth Rau said that during on phone call Hunt referred to the incident at the Y as an "ambush" and called Degan's shooting "cold-blooded murder." Rau also reported that Hunt said "that his team was receiving fire from Vicki and the girls." Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 9-10. All references to time are given in Pacific Daylight Savings Time. 448 Perez FD-302. A little later, Hunt told John Twomey, Deputy Director of Administration, that he assumed that the marshals on the hill were still receiving fire. FD-302 Interview of Twomey, November 26, 1993. According to the Strategic Information Operations Center (SIOC) log, the call to Perez occurred at 11:25 a.m., PDT (2:25 p.m., EST). 449 FD-302 Interview of Ronald Navarro, October 22, 1993, at 2. 450 FD-302 Interview of Duke Smith, November 19 & 24, 1993, at 2; Perez FD-302; USMS "Crisis Center Log - Degan Incident", August 21, 1992, at 11:40 a.m. (herinafter cited as "Crisis Center Log"). 451 Crisis Center Log, August 21, 1992, at 11:40 a.m. Smith FD-302, at 2-3; Perez FD-302, at 8-10. 452 Crisis Center Log, August 21, 1992, at 11:40 a.m. (Emphasis added.) At 1:05 p.m., Hunt again told the Crisis Center: "USMS personnel on mountain are not taking additional fire and detect substantial movement in the woods around them." Id. at 1:05 p.m. Hunt Sworn Statement, at 31; Ruth Rau FD-302, October 12 & 13, 1993, at 9. 453 FD-302 Interview of Donald J. Glasser, November 19, 1993. 454 Crisis Center Log, August 21, 1992, at 1:40, 2:00, 2:20, and 2:30 p.m. 455 FD-302 Interview of Dave L. Smith, October 12, 1993. 456 Mays FD-302, at 7. Not surprisingly, the affidavit contained some errors, such as a statement in paragraph 4 that the marshals "were fired upon by two or more individuals in a pickup truck." Affidavit of Warren Mays, August 22, 1992. Howen thought that this information had come to Mays directly from Hunt. When Howen had left Boise for Ruby Ridge, he asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Haws to complete the affidavit. Haws took no steps to confirm the information because he thought that Howen had corrected any factual inaccuracies. Almost immediately after the affidavit was transmitted to Howen, he told Haws that paragraph 4 was in error. Howen and Haw corrected the error in the next affidavit they filed on August 23, 1992. Howen Interview, Tape 4, at 32033; Tape 5, at 1-2; Memorandum of Interview of Marc Haws, December 17, 1993, at 2. 457 Hunt Sworn Statement, at 31. The Crisis Center Log reports, at 5:15 p.m., that: DUSMs Roderick, Cooper, and Norris are still in position on the mountain.....DUSM Cooper reports that he believes that he wounded on of the two adult suspects. 458 Hunt told the officers: This case is unique and complicated because of all the juvenile people that [Weaver] has up there.....For the last two years we have looked at this situation trying to come up with a way to separate him from his children. his defensive tactics have basically always been to keep the kids around.....[O]ur tactics on him have been to figure out a way to watch him, observe, figure out a way that we could get him without confronting, the juveniles with weapons. Transcript of Hunt Video Tape, August 21, 1992, at 7-9, 13-15, 19.) 459 Twomey FD-302, at 2-3. Hudson reports that Twomey told him that Sammy Weaver may have been wounded. Hudson FD-302, at 4-5. However, Twomey reports that he told Hudson there was no information that Sammy had been shot. Twomey FD-302, at 3. 460 Sworn Statement of W. Douglas Gow, January 4, 1994, at 2; Hudson FD-302, November 15, 1993, at 4-5. The Marshals Service first learned of the shooting when Deputy Marshal hunt called Marshals Service headquarters in Washington, DC The first entry in the Marshals Service Crisis Center Log noted: "The initial reports indicate that the USMS surveillance team came under fire from occupants of the Weaver compound and are still pinned down in defensive positions." Entry for August 21, 1992, at 2:40 p.m. (EDT). Soon thereafter the log states: "The rest of the team is still located on the mountain, but not under fire, unable to withdraw without exposing themselves to hostile fire." Id. at 3:05 p.m. (EDT). This was confirmed one hour later: "USMS personnel on mountain are not taking additional fire and detect substantial movement in the woods around them." Id. at 4:05 p.m. (EDT). 461 Sworn Statement of Eugene Glenn, January 12, 1994, at 2; Sworn Statement of E. Michael Kahoe, January 4, 1994, at 2-3. 462 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 3. 463 Id. at 3-4. 464 Sworn Statement of Larry Potts, December 17, 1993, at 4. The HRT is comprised of approximately 50 members with specialized skills and training. The HRT has been utilized in a variety of high risk situations since its formation in 1993, ranging from international antiterrorist operations to prison uprisings, arrest/search operations against white separatist organizations, and hostage situations. 465 [G.J.] 466 Gow Sworn Statement, January 4, 1994, at 2-3. 467 Sworn Statement of Danny O. Coulson, November 3, 1993, at 3-4) [Editor's Note: Footnotes 468 to 472 are unavailable.] 473 Id. at 3. 474 Gow Sworn Statement, January 4, 1994, at 3-4. 475 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 4-5. Coulson viewed HRT as well suited for crises of this sort because: The HRT could better function in such a severe environment, and was highly trained in winter and rural operations. The HRT can deploy a sophisticated communications system, including satellite communication, which would be necessary in this remote rural mountainous environment. The HRT also provides and deploys with medical support which would be a necessity in such a dangerous operation . . . . FBI field office SWAT Teams could not have enough personnel to handle a situation such as this. Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 7. 476 Gow recalled that an earlier agreement with the military to provide transportation for HRT had expired and that the current arrangement was for the military to provide transportation on an "as needed" basis. Gow Sworn Statement, at 4. 477 FD-302 Interview of Brenda McGill, Dispatcher/ISP, October 22, 1992, at 5; Transcript of Hunt Videotape, August 21, 1992, at 11, 22. 478 See McGill FD-302, at 6. 479 FD-302 Interview of Cpt. David Neal, October 7, 1993, at 2; FD-302 Interview of Sgt. Michael Nauman, October 7, 1993, at 2. 480 Neal FD-302, at 3. Later, at trial, much controversy surrounded this statement. Neal told Assistant U.S. Attorney Howen that it was his impression that Roderick had shot the dog first before anyone in the Weaver family had fired. Howen gave this information to defense counsel almost one month after first learning it. The media reported that Roderick had admitted shooting the dog first. See discussion in Section IV (o), infra. 481 McGill FD-302, at 6. 482 Norris Sworn Statement, at 13. 483 The marshals talked at the condo about hearing the vehicle noise, and tried to figure out where it came from. They also became emotional and reminisced for awhile before retiring. Cooper Sworn Statement at 12; Hunt Sworn Statement, at 35; Jurgensen Sworn Statement, at 13. 484 Jurgensen FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 2-3. The marshals were surprised that Degan's gun had been fired because no one had seen Degan shoot. Norris Sworn Statement, at 16; Cooper Trial Testimony, April 15, 1993, at 192, April 16, 1993, at 318. 485 [G.J.] 486 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 16-17. 487 Sworn Statement of Duke Smith, January 6, 1994, at 4. 488 [G.J.] 489 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 18, 184, 187. 490 [G.J.] 491 Sworn Statement of David Hunt, February 5, 1994, at 33. 492 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 5 493 Id. at 7-8 494 Id. at 8. 495 Id. 496 Sworn Statement of William D. Gore, November 3, 1993, at 3. 497 Id. at 5. 498 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 9. Gore also did not see the marshals after the Idaho State Police SWAT team returned to the command post. He stated: [W]ithin a few minutes of their return, the rescued marshals were whisked away from the area of the command post to a location unknown by me. The decision to remove the marshals involved in the shooting was made by the Marshals Service. I did not have an opportunity to see any of them and I do not believe any of them had been debriefed for benefit of intelligence purposes with respect to the shooting and related events that day. Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 4. 499 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 5-6. 500 Id. at 10-11. 501 Roger Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 26. 502 Id. at 190-91. 503 Id. at 192. 504 [G.J.] 505 [G.J.] 506 [G.J.] 507 This failure to speak to the marshals was highlighted when Rogers testified that he did not know who David Hunt was nor did he know the identity of the source who had provided information about the previous day's events to Marshals Service Headquarters and Smith. Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 189-90. Rogers also admitted during cross examination at trial that he had no information as to who killed Degan and that he had never spoken to Cooper or Roderick during his entire stay at Ruby Ridge. 508 Rogers assumed that Glenn had received his information from marshals on the scene and, therefore, did not inquire about the source or validity of the information. 509 Perez FD-302. 510 Smith Sworn Statement , January 6, 1994, at 6; FD-302 Interview of Duke Smith, November 19 & 24, 1993, at 6; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 12. Thomas described the conversation as mostly "small talk." Thomas Sworn Statement, at 15. 511 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 29. 512 Smith Sworn Statement, at 6. Smith told the marshals that the agencies responding to the scene were going to "resolve this thing as soon as possible" and "go up there and take care of business." Cooper Sworn Statement, at 12; Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 29; Norris Sworn Statement, at 14-15. Thomas reported that Smith said that he had spoken with his FBI counterpart, who advised Smith that "this was not going to last long. That it was going to be 'taken down hard and fast'." Thomas Sworn Statement, at 15. 513 FBI agents had been told to expect the marshals at the Boundary County Sheriff's Office on Saturday morning, August 22. Hunt, Roderick and Cooper were not brought to the Sheriff's Office until that afternoon. FD-302 Interview of Gregory Rampton, October 18 & 19, 1993, at 3; FD-302 Interview of Timothy Kroupa, October 19, 1993, at 2. 514 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 30. Cooper reported that Haynes "blew me off," saying, "I've already heard your story." Cooper Sworn Statement, at 12-13. On August 23, Cooper reviewed a draft report of his interview and found it full of inaccuracies. For instance, the draft stated that Cooper saw a second man chasing the marshals in the fern field, that Cooper saw Randy Weaver at the "Y" after Harris shot Degan, and that Cooper saw Harris running up the trail toward Weaver's cabin. Cooper asked that the draft be corrected. Because this had not been done when Cooper returned from Degan's funeral, Cooper dictated the FD-302 himself. Id. at 13. 515 Roderick Sworn Statement (draft), at 30. 516 Cooper and Roderick told Smith that Degan was shot by Harris after Degan announced "U.S. Marshals." Cooper thought he shot Harris because he saw Harris go down and never saw him again. Roderick returned fire and shot the dog and both mentioned they had seen Randy Weaver coming down the other trail. Roderick told Smith how he took a round through his shirt and that there were a lot of incoming rounds. Weaver had turned and gone back up the hill after the initial shots. One of the marshals mentioned seeing Sammy Weaver but there was no mention of him being injured in the gun fight. Smith Sworn Statement, January 6, 1994, at 6. 517 Id. at 8. 518 Briefly, our investigation found no intentional exaggeration of facts or a failure to disclose material facts. Moreover, we were unable to find any material representations made to FBI Headquarters which were unsupported by information in Marshals Service files. In our interviews, FBI Headquarters personnel and Marshals Service personnel did not report any significant incorrect information on the status of the marshals on the mountain, in contrast to media reports on the subject. 519 Defendants' Memorandum, at 8-10. 520 For instance, FBI Special Agent Larry Wages arrived at approximately 3:30 p.m. He had the impression from Hunt that the stranded marshals were "pinned down," though he does not recall whether Hunt used those words. He understood from Hunt that the marshals were not in an ongoing firefight. Wages surmised that anyone trying to approach the stranded marshals might receive gunfire. He also believed that the marshals could have come down had they been willing to leave Degan's body. Wages did not hear gunfire during his stay at the Rau field. FD-302 Interview of Larry Wages, November 29, 1993, at 2; McGill FD-302, at 3 (dispatcher notes time of Wages' arrival). Sgt. Michael R. Nauman, a member of the Idaho State Police team that rescued the marshals, said that he knew during the rescue that no shots had been fired for several hours. He believed the marshals "felt they were pinned down because they did not know where Harris and Weaver were and believed that [Harris and Weaver] were watching their position." FD-302 of Sgt. Michael R. Nauman, October 7, 1993, at 2. 521 For example, at approximately 12:17 p.m.. (PDT), Perez told Kenneth E. Neu, Acting Chief of the FBI Fugitive Unit, that "the marshals were still on the mountain and were pinned down by gunfire." FD-302 Interview of Kenneth Neu, November 5, 1993. This was more than a half hour after Hunt advised the Crisis Center that marshals were "no longer taking fire." Crisis Center Log, August 21, 1992, at 11:40 a.m. PDT. 522 Twomey said that communications were bad and that it was "virtually impossible to get accurate information." Twomey FD -302, at 5. Hudson said that in the early hours of the crisis, "CNN appeared to obtain information faster than the Crisis Center or FBIHQ." Hudson FD-302, at 6. 523 Roderick Trial Testimony, May 24, 1993, at 128, 266. 524 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 12. 525 Glenn Sworn Statement, January, 12, 1994, at 11-12. 527 Jurgensen Sworn Statement, at 13. 527 [G.J.] See Section IV E(2)(a), supra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES INVESTIGATED F. FBI's Rules of Engagement and Operations on August 21 and August 22, 1992 1. Introduction The issues addressed in this part of our inquiry concern the initial response to the crisis by law enforcement agencies directed by the FBI and the decisions made to resolve the crisis. During the early hours of the crisis, in addition to the movement of personnel and equipment, the primary concerns were to stabilize the situation and to gather intelligence. Throughout this early period, FBI officials were formulating a proposed plan of action -- also referred to as an "operation plan" or "operational plan" -- and specialized "Rules of Engagement" ("Rules"). It has been alleged that during this initial period negotiations were ignored as a strategy and that only tactical responses were considered. Indeed, the FBI has been criticized for its failure to contact the occupants of the Weaver residence until Saturday evening, after the sniper shots had been fired and Vicki Weaver had been killed. We have been told by observers on the scene that law enforcement personnel made statements that the matter would be handled quickly and that the situation would be "taken down hard and fast." [FN528] Some individuals have contended that the helicopter flights over the Weaver compound were designed to lure the subjects out so that they could be targets for the snipers who were under orders to shoot and kill armed adult men. Furthermore, it has been alleged that the FBI's operations plan and Rules of Engagement were developed to eliminate witnesses to the shootout on August 21 in retaliation for the death of Deputy Marshal Degan. Of particular concern are the Rules of Engagement, which instructed the FBI Hostage Rescue Team ("HRT") sniper/observers that they "can and should" use deadly force against any armed adult male, even before a surrender announcement had been made to the subjects or notice given that law enforcement was present. The Rules have been interpreted as unlawful "orders to shoot" by their severest critics and as being inappropriate for the situation or being unartfully drafted by others. It has been charged that the Rules used at Ruby Ridge were orders to shoot, which violated federal and state law and the FBI's own standard policy on the use of deadly force. In this section we examine the factors considered in the formulation of the Rules and the reasonableness of some of these considerations, including the belief that the Weaver/Harris group was aware of law enforcement's presence and that every armed individual in the Weaver compound intended to cause bodily harm to law enforcement personnel. We also examine the intent of those who reviewed and approved the Rules and whether the Rules and the procedures used to develop and authorize their use conformed with FBI policy. Finally, we evaluate those who operated under the Rules of Engagement and the actions they took while at Ruby Ridge. This portion of the report examines the circumstances surrounding the two rifle shots fired by HRT member Lon Horiuchi on August 22, 1992 and whether the ensuing death and injuries were the result of lawful acts. 2. Statement of Facts a. The Formulation of Rules of engagement En Route to Idaho on August 21, 1992 When FBI tactical teams, such as HRT or SWAT, are deployed and confrontations are a possibility, Rules of Engagement are commonly established. Rules of Engagement are described as instructions to deployed units or individuals that clearly indicate what action should be taken when confronted, threatened, or fired upon by someone. They are intended to provide a context within which decisions about the use of deadly force are to be made. They serve two purposes: to restrict the application of the standard FBI deadly force policy or to heighten the awareness of tactical personnel regarding the threat level of individual situations. Formulation and approval of the Rules of Engagement are the responsibility of the on- scene commander. [FN529] The need for special Rules of Engagement for the Ruby Ridge crisis was discussed and agreed upon at an early point. While en route to Northern Idaho, Richard Rogers, Commander of the HRT, and Assistant Director Larry Potts had a series of conversations in which Potts advised Rogers of intelligence received. [FN530] [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN531] Rogers explained his initial thoughts about the Rules of Engagement: In this particular situation, after hearing the description of what had taken place, specifically the fire-fight, the loss of a marshal, it was clear to me that there was a shooting situation taking place at this location. It appeared to me that it would have been irresponsible for me to send my agents into the situation without at least giving them a set of rules within the greater framework of the standard FBI rules, that would allow them to defend themselves. With that in mind, I proposed that the rules be that if any adult is seen with a weapon in the vicinity of where this fire-fight took place, of the Weaver cabin, that this individual could be the subject of deadly force... [A]ny child is going to come under standard FBI rules, meaning that if an FBI agent is threatened with death or some other innocent is threatened with death by a child, then clearly that agent could use a weapon to shoot the child... that's the way it's stated, but quite frankly, we try to prevent ourselves from being put in positions where children can threaten us and where we would have to use deadly force. [FN532] When asked if he had considered the possibility that an adult might be seen with a weapon slung on his shoulder or carried in a nonoffensive way, Rogers replied: Yes, it was considered, and it's always my knowledge that my sniper observers and my other team members are clearly going to make a judgmental call as to whether to employ deadly force, and based upon the training, based upon the experience of these men, I know that they have absolutely the best judgment when it comes to use of deadly force. [FN533] Rogers acknowledged that the Rules of Engagement he proposed specified that any adult with a weapon observed in the vicinity of the Weaver cabin or in the firefight area "could and should be the subject of deadly force." [FN534] According to Rogers he discussed this rule with FBI Assistant Director Larry Potts who concurred fully. [FN535] [G.J.] [FN536] Potts considered the information provided by the Marshals Service to be the basis of the proposed Rules of Engagement. He recalled the proposed Rules of Engagement as providing that: Any adult with a weapon who was observed in the vicinity of Randall Weaver's cabin or the fire fight area, COULD be the subject of deadly force. All efforts should be made to avoid any confrontation with children, but if such a confrontation became unavoidable, that faced with the threat of death or grievous bodily harm, the standard FBI use of deadly force policy would be in effect. [FN537] According to Potts, he and Coulson believed that this crisis was the most dangerous situation into which the HRT had ever gone. Potts recalled that: I was extremely fearful of sustaining casualties while attempting to establish a perimeter at the crisis site, since the subjects possessed every tactical advantage. I was concerned that the subjects had been reinforced by others, and I considered every armed adult in the vicinity of the Weaver cabin to be potentially hostile and a threat to HRT personnel. I believed that Randy Weaver knew that a warrant existed for him, and knew a DUSM had been killed, he would have known that law enforcement personnel would be in the vicinity. I was also concerned that the deceased DUSM may not have made and immediate determination of the threat and had lost his life as a result... These ROE were established to assist the HRT personnel in making a determination regarding what constituted a threat to them in this extraordinary circumstance. The ROE were not intended to supersede the FBI standard deadly force policy. The final determination regarding such implementation of deadly force must always remain with the individual... and each individual must make an individual, final determination of threat. [FN538] Potts did not discuss the Rules of Engagement with the FBI's Legal Counsel Office during this crisis. He noted that legal review is not usually solicited because Rules of Engagement are written to fall within the bounds of the FBI's standard deadly force policy. Michael Kahoe, Section Chief of the Violent Crimes and Major Offenders Section FBI Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters, spoke to John Sauls, Supervisory Special Agent with the Legal Instruction Unit at the FBI Academy, on August 21 at approximately 5:00 p.m. (EDT) about the Rules for the crisis in Idaho. Sauls told Kahoe that two primary assessments needed to be made. First, there should be a determination of "dangerousness," that is, whether there was probably cause to believe that someone had caused or attempted to cause death or serious bodily harm to agents or other persons. According to Sauls, the fact that the subjects had apparently intentionally fired upon and killed a marshal indicated that they were dangerous. Second, Sauls spoke of the need to assess the "necessity" to use deadly force to resolve the crisis situation and to gain "control" of the situation or to protect the lives of other individuals. [FN539] Sauls told Kahoe that the element of dangerousness could be assessed by persons who were not at the scene. However, the second element of necessity could be determined only by on-scene personnel. Sauls defined having control of the situation as being when a subject was "in custody" and not merely forced into a position where movement was restricted, such as in a fortified house. [FN540] Kahoe asked Sauls "if agents encounter armed adults in the compound (around the Weaver house), would deadly force be permitted?" Sauls responded that deadly force would be permitted "if they refuse to surrender." However, Sauls stressed that he meant that on-scene personnel had permission to use deadly force, but that it was certainly not required. According to Sauls, only the agents at the scene could decide whether deadly force was necessary. [FN541] Around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on August 21, Kahoe told Sauls that a plan was being formulated to permit snipers to fire at Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris from concealed positions around the Weaver cabin. Sauls explained that, as long as there was a "continued demand for surrender which the subjects continued to ignore, and they maintained themselves in a barricaded situation" the use of the tactics described by Kahoe would be permissible and within the FBI's deadly force policy. [FN542] No additional legal advice regarding the Rules was solicited from within the FBI. The legal advisor from the FBI's Salt Lake City Division was not at the scene. He reported that after the first few days all legal advice came from the Office of Legal Counsel, FBI Headquarters. Indeed, he was never consulted about the Rules of Engagement and was unaware of their existence until sometime after the siege had terminated. [FN543] Nor did the FBI officials drafting the Rules consult with the United States Attorney's Office having jurisdiction over the crisis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Howen arrived at the crisis site shortly after the crisis began and remained there until the situation was resolved. While at the crisis scene, he provided legal advice and legal assistance regarding the preparation of legal documents, such as an affidavit supporting the government's request to obtain electronic surveillance of the cabin, and he forwarded information to the U.S. Attorney in Boise. Howen did not participate in any discussion about the operations plan or Rules of Engagement, and he was not involved in formulating or approving any of the operations plans or the Rules of Engagement. The local Boundary County prosecutor, who was also on site during the crisis, was also not consulted. Coulson recalls that the proposed Rules of Engagement "were words to the effect of 'any armed adult outside the Weaver cabin or on Ruby Ridge could be the subject of deadly force.'" [FN544] The basis for these Rules was Coulson's belief that the subjects knew that law enforcement personnel were on the scene and that a marshal had been shot after the slain marshal had announced his presence. Furthermore, Coulson believed that a "call out" or surrender announcement was not feasible in the early stages of the operation. Coulson reasoned: If the subjects had retreated and had barricaded themselves in the Weaver cabin, it was my belief that the only reason for this could be for an armed confrontation with law enforcement officers. It was my belief that as soon as the HRT personnel arrived in the area, they would be in grave peril.... It was also my belief that it was a possibility that supporters of Randy Weaver would attempt to reinforce him and assist in armed resistance. Due to the uncontained and remote nature of the crisis site, I was gravely concerned that this either had occurred or would occur. I was concerned that Weaver and or his associates would tactically move about in order to ambush law enforcement personnel. I believed that HRT personnel might observe subjects preparing to ambush law enforcement components who did not realize they were being threatened. [FN545] Coulson considered the children in the Weaver cabin hostages because he assumed that they did not have the option of leaving voluntarily. Notwithstanding this belief, he feared that the children might shoot at law enforcement personnel, who attempted to rescue the marshals. In the early stages, Coulson did not know whether they might be captured if not immediately rescued. Coulson believed that Weaver's family and his associates would defend him and that Weaver's supporters would attempt to reinforce Weaver and assist in armed resistance. He believed that the subjects had already demonstrated their willingness and ability to kill law enforcement personnel because they had shot deputy Marshal Degan after he had identified himself as a marshal. Coulson believed that the individuals inside the Weaver cabin knew that law enforcement personnel were outside the cabin and, thus, he reasoned that if an armed adult appeared outside the Weaver residence with the weapon, it was reasonable to assume that the individual intended to commit hostile acts against law enforcement personnel. In addition, Coulson was aware of the possibility that Randy Weaver had Explosives/Ordnance Device training due to his army experience, and believed that Weaver had received Special Forces training, designed to give a tactical advantage to small groups of highly trained people. Because of Weaver's Army experience and his history as a white separatist, Coulson expected that the Weaver property might contain fortifications and remote -controlled explosive devices. Coulson was aware that which separatists frequently armed family members, including wives and children, that they fortified their property against assault, engaged in tactical training with associates, usually belonged to highly trained, heavily armed groups, and were extremely dangerous and frequently willing to engage law enforcement personnel. [FN546] After Potts had approved the Rules of Engagement, Rogers told Smith that HRT believed that the Rules should be modified because of the circumstances of which they were aware. Smith understood the Rules as allowing "any adult armed with a long arm outside of the cabin to be shot." Smith told this inquiry that he had never modified standard Marshals Service shooting policy, which, he noted, is similar to that of other law enforcement agencies and allows deadly force to be used when human life is in danger. He interpreted the FBI's Ruby Ridge Rules as more liberal than the Marshal Service's standard policy. Nevertheless, he thought the Rules were appropriate, reasonable, and necessary in this case because it was probably that a federal marshal or agent would be confronted by armed individuals. Smith was concerned that law enforcement personnel could be harmed during the operation. Smith was not called upon to approve the Rules of Engagement because the FBI was responsible for the tactical operation. Nonetheless, he briefed the director Hudson and Twomey on the Rules and relayed them to Special Operations Group ("SOG") Commander John Haynes when he arrived at the command post. Smith intended that the marshals operate under the same Rules of Engagement as the FBI because the FBI was in charge of an operation, for which the Marshals Service would provide support. Smith recalls that the Rules were changed, so that "any adult male who is armed with a rifle should be neutralized". He understood "adult males" to include Kevin Harris, Randy Weaver, and any other male carrying weapons whom the agents or marshals encountered on the mountain. [FN547] Although he did not recall the operative words "can and should" in the Rules, he did not interpret those words as mandating that marshals or agents shoot. Smith stated, "there was nothing said that would cause a deputy or agent to substitute these rules for good judgment." [FN548] b. Formulation of the Rules of Engagement and Operations plan on August 22 When the remaining HRT members arrived, they went to the National Guard Armory in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, where HRT Commander Rogers briefed them at 9:00 a.m. (PDT). [FN549] Rogers told the HRT members and SOG snipers that the Rules of Engagement had not yet been approved, and that HRT sniper/observer coordinator Lester Hazen would brief the sniper/observers before their deployment. The proposed Rules of Engagement provided at the initial briefing were: Any adult with a weapon who was observed in the vicinity of Randall Weaver's cabin or the fire fight area, could and should be the subject of deadly force. Following he briefing, the HRT travelled to Ruby Creek at the base of the mountain on which the Weaver cabin was located and began to establish tactical operations centers. This involved unloading and erecting command and bunk tents, clerical equipment and supplies, and weapons systems. Some HRT members began to assimilate the massive amount of information provided by the Marshals Service and local law enforcement agencies. [FN550] While these organizational activities were in progress, HRT supervisors were engaged in the drafting of the operational plan. McGavin prepared the original draft of the Rules. After reviewing this draft, Rogers told McGavin to scratch out what he had originally written and the proceeded to discuss with McGavin and Hazen what he wanted in the Rules. Rogers told McGavin to insert the "and should" clause into the Rules. McGavin believed that Rogers inserted those words to convey his perception, based on the briefing he had received, of the extreme risk posed by Weaver. [FN551] Hazen contributed the final paragraph to the Rules. Rogers testified that the words that comprised the Rules were his words and that McGavin and Hazen wrote them down to provide the sniper/observers and other team members with Rules that "clearly reflect what I know I had approved through our chain of command." [FN552] These rules were: If any adult in the compound is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement is made, deadly force can and should be employed to neutralize this individual. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement deadly force can and should be employed if a shot can be taken without endangering the children. If compromised by any dog the dog can be taken out. Any subject other than R, V, + K, presenting threat of death or grievous bodily harm FBI rules of deadly force apply. [FN553] Once at the site, Rogers proposed to Glenn that several things be done quickly. First, communication should be established with the people in the cabin or in bunkers, if there were any. Next, Rogers wanted to "call-out," to let the subjects know that the FBI was there and that there were warrants for their arrest. Finally, and most importantly, he wanted to ask them and give them the chance to surrender to law enforcement authorities, which, according to Rogers, is "standard procedure." [FN554] Since law enforcement personnel had not surrounded the cabin, Rogers also wanted to place sniper/observers around the site to cover law enforcement personnel and to cordon the site. [FN555] Rogers testified that when the FBI makes an arrest, it tries to notify the subjects of the arrest that the FBI is present with a legitimate arrest warrant. This surrender announcement or "call-out" was going to be accomplished in this instance by agents going to the cabin area in armored personnel carriers and broadcasting the message with a megaphone or loud hailer. At the same time, the agents would drop off a phone at the site. [FN556] Rogers considered armored personnel carriers necessary protection for his agents. He saw no alternative to taking a phone to the cabin in the carrier beaus of the offensive posture the Weavers and Harris had taken. [FN557] Along with these plans, Rogers submitted the proposed Rules of Engagement to Glenn at a morning meeting also attended by Gore, Rogers, Smith, and HRT and Marshals Service supervisors. At the meeting, a number of options were discussed. [FN558] One plan Rogers suggested involved the HRT first establishing a perimeter around the compound followed by the Marshals service making a tactical entry into the cabin. When this proposal was presented to Louis Stagg, Deputy Commander of the SOG, Stagg recused his personnel from this task because he was concerned that any injuries to or deaths of the subjects might be construed as retaliation by the Marshals Service. Thereafter, it was agreed that the HRT would perform the entry, if necessary, but that one marshal would participate in making the formal arrests. [FN559] Glenn's assessment of the level of threat presented by the situation affected the development of the Rules of Engagement. He believed that Weaver's children were well trained and capable of firing at law enforcement and he knew at the same time that law enforcement officers are reluctant to fire at children, even when their own lives are in danger. Therefore, he was greatly concerned that tactical personnel on the inner perimeter and personnel attempting to assault the cabin might be exposed to serious injury from the children. Glenn was also extremely concerned that subjects leaving the cabin with firearms would pose a danger to law enforcement personnel because they were well versed on the terrain while the agents and officers had virtually no knowledge of the mountainous conditions or the "booby traps" possibly in place. Finally, Glenn worried that if any subjects entered the "bunker network" which might exist, they could fire on law enforcement officers in a manner that would make an effective response or defense impossible. [FN560] [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN561] When the HRT is activated, a proposed operation plan is written for resolving the situation. According to Rogers, when the HRT faces "a hostage situation or a barricaded subject situation, such as at Ruby Ridge," the plan includes "a proposed tactical resolution" that includes an "assault" or "a plan to send people inside the building to effect an arrest." [FN562] Any deliberate assaults must be approved by FBI Headquarters. The plan for such an assault is contained in an operations plan. At Ruby Ridge, McGavin prepared such a plan. McGavin discussed a deliberate assault with Rogers and told him he did not want to send a team into a situation in which an encounter with armed children seemed likely and agents might have to kill a child to defend themselves. Rogers agreed, but recognized that an operations plan had to be written. McGavin wrote a plan realizing that the crisis should be resolved, if at all possible, through action designed to minimize the prospect of armed engagement with the subjects. [FN563] McGavin drafted a plan, which included the travel of armored personnel carriers ("APCs") to the Weaver compound, attempts to contact Weaver with a loudspeaker or hostage phone, and the establishment of a 360 degree perimeter. Glenn, with the understanding that the situation was "extremely dangerous and highly volatile," approved the following Rules of Engagement in the plan before sending the plan to FBI Headquarters for approval: 1. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement, deadly force can and should be employed, if the shot can be taken without endangering any children. 2. If any adult in the compound is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement is made, and is not attempting to surrender, deadly force can and should be employed to neutralize the individual. 3. If compromised by any animal, particularly the dogs, that animal should be eliminated. 4. Any subjects other than Randall Weaver, Vicki Weaver, Kevin Harris, presenting threats of death or grievous bodily harm, the FBI rules of deadly force are in effect. Deadly force can be utilized to prevent the death or grievous bodily injury to oneself or that of another. [FN564] According to the Marshals Service Crisis Center log, the operation plan was being assembled by HRT and SOG at 10:30 a.m. (PDT) on August 22. At noon, it was reported that the "operations plan [was] going forward to insert sniper team. Team should be in place in approximately two hours." [FN565] According to the plan, after the sniper teams were in position, the FBI negotiation team would move forward and attempt to contact the subjects. However, one half hour later, it was reported that the FBI was having difficulty obtaining armored personnel carriers. An entry in the crisis center log stated: "General Manning of the Idaho National Guard has refused to provide vehicle support to the FBI." [FN566] At 1:50 p.m. (PDT) U.S. Marshal Michael Johnson reported that SOG and HRT had completed the operational plan which he described as follows: 1. Contain perimeter of compound with HRT snipers. 2. Two armored personnel carriers will be deployed to the compound and loud speakers will be used to order the suspects to surrender. 3. If Weaver or his older son (sic) Exit the residence armed the snipers will neutralize them. 4. If there is no contact, then the APCs will retreat leaving the snipers in place. 5. The following day the APCs will return and again order the suspects to surrender. 6. If no compliance, the APCs will begin dismantling the outlying buildings by ramming them. 7. If no compliance, tear gas will be deployed into the main house. [FN567] Gore believed that the operational plan that he, Glenn, and Rogers developed fully considered the merits of a negotiation strategy as opposed to a tactical resolution of the situation. He explained: our objective was clearly the peaceful resolution of the crisis. A means of delivery of a hostage telephone to the Weaver compound, to secure a telephonic link between the command post and the crisis site could not be established prior to the deployment of sniper observers, and prior to the actual placement of the telephone, the negotiation strategy was not made a part of the initial operational plan.... [FN568] After the initial plan had been drafted, Gore and the others consulted with Johnson, Smith, and Stagg of the Marshal's Service, who opposed the plan. [FN569] At approximately 2:40 p.m. (PDT) on August 22, an operations plan, which included the Rules of Engagement, was sent by facsimile to FBI Headquarters and the Marshals Service for review. The Rules in the operations plan as submitted to the Bureau for review stated: If any adult in the compound is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement is made, deadly force CAN AND SHOULD be employed to neutralize this individual. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement, deadly force CAN AND SHOULD be employed, if the shot can be taken without endangering any children. [Emphasis added.] [FN570] FBI Deputy Assistant Director Coulson received the operations plan at the FBI Headquarters' Strategic Information and Operations Center; he did not approve the draft plan because it lacked a negotiations option. Coulson stopped reviewing the plan once he realized a negotiation option was absent. Thus, he never saw or reviewed the Rules of Engagement in the plan which appeared after the section in which a negotiations strategy should have appeared. [FN571] After completing his partial review of the operations plan, Coulson made certain observations and raised certain questions in a facsimile to Glenn: 1. No mention is made of Sniper Observer deployment as of 5:30 p.m. EST 2:30 PST (sic). 2. What intelligence has been gathered from the crisis point? 3. There is no mention of a negotiation strategy to secure release of individuals at the crisis point. 4. There is no mention of any attempt to negotiate at all. 5. SAC Salt Lake is requested to consider negotiation strategy and advise FBIHQ. Coulson informed Glenn that Headquarters was "not prepared to approve the plan as submitted." The 6:30 p.m. entry on the SICC log reads: SAC Glenn advised DAD Coulson that Portland SWAT team had contact with who (sic) they believed was subject approximately 1/4 mile "up canyon" from home. He used profanity and told the to get off property. SAC WAS REMINDED OF RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AND TO TREAT SUBJECT AS THREAT IF CONFRONTED OUTSIDE HOME. SAC IS WORKING ON NEGOTIATION PLAN. [FN572] Coulson told this investigation that the entry refers to the Rules of Engagement that he and Potts had formulated. WE found no other entry in the SIOC log or situation reports approving either the operational plan as a whole or the Rules of Engagement set forth by Glenn. [FN573] Gore believed the tactical plan included incremental increases of tactical pressure on the subjects, to be effected only if the Weavers failed to enter into negotiations. Gore told us that FBI Headquarters refused to approve the operations plan because a negotiation strategy was not part of it. [FN574] When the operations plan was rejected, Frederick Lanceley, the FBI chief negotiator, was asked to write a negotiation addendum. Before this, Lanceley had played no role in developing an operations plan. He had attended Rogers' 9:00 a.m. briefing of the sniper/observers and heard Rogers tell the group that there would be "no long siege" and that the "Rules of Engagement" were to shoot armed adult males, if there was a clear shot. After attending this briefing, Lanceley concluded that a tactical solution would be sought without negotiations. [FN575] While en route to the crisis site, Lanceley told Rogers that he would work with HRT Intelligence because there was not going to be a negotiation effort. When Rogers said, "Good," Lanceley felt that his impression had been confirmed. Consequently, Lanceley did not participate in the planning on Saturday, August 22, until he was told in early afternoon that Headquarters had rejected the operations plan because a negotiation effort had not been included. [FN575] Lanceley wrote the follow-up negotiation addendum to the operations plan. This addendum provided: Crisis Negotiation Annex To Ops Plan A negotiator wll [sic] go forward to the residence in the APC [Armored Personnel Carrier]. When the APC is in view of the house, it will stop and the negotiator will make the following statement: 'Mr. Weaver, This is Fred Lanceley of the FBI. You should understand that we have warrants for the arrest of yourself and Mr. Harris. I would like you to accept a telephone so that we can talk and work out how you will come out of the house without further violence. I would like you or one of your children to come out of the house, unarmed, pick up the telephone and return to the house.' At the conclusion of this statement, the APC will proceed forward, drop the hostage phone and withdraw. If Weaver or a child retrieves the telephone, the negotiator will attempt to initiate a dialogue. [FN577] This addendum was sent to FBI headquarters and received the following response: FBIHQ agrees with negotiation annex as submitted. Salt Lake should Proceed with this negotiation plan on his [sic] own initiative. [FN578] Eugene Glenn, in a signed sworn statement given to the FBI team [FN579] that reviewed the shooting incident following the resolution of the crisis stated that, "[o]n August 22, 1992, at 12:30 p.m. PDT, FBI Headquarters approved the operations plan which included ... Rules of Engagement." Glenn is the only person who has stated that an operations plan was ever approved. [GARRITY] [FN580] In a statement given during this inquiry, Glenn recalled that, although FBI Headquarters did not approve the proposed operations plan, Potts told him that the Rules of Engagement had been approved as formulated and could be put into effect. Glenn told Rogers about this approval. [FN581] The Rules of Engagement remained in effect until they were replaced by the FBI standard deadly force policy on August 26, 1992. Although Rogers testified that the operations plan was modified in the ensuing days and submitted to FBI Headquarters, he stated that it was never approved and never implemented. fn 582 The only written operations plan provided to this investigation, the prosecutors, and defense counsel is dated August 23, 1992. c. Interpretation of rules of Engagement by Law Enforcement Personnel both Assistant Director Larry Potts and former Deputy Assistant Director Danny O. Coulson have stated that the Rules of Engagement were merely a means of identifying the level of risk presented by the situation and were not intended to change or modify the FBI's Standard Deadly Force Policy. Potts explained: These ROE [Rules of Engagement] were established to assist the HRT personnel in making a determination regarding what constituted a threat to them in this extraordinary circumstance. The ROE were not intended to supercede [sic] the FBI standard deadly force policy. The final determination regarding such implementation of deadly force must always remain with the individual faced with the actual choice, and each individual must make an individual, final determination of threat.... I was acutely aware that HRT personnel could encounter armed subjects, and as a result of the events leading to and resulting in DUSM Degan's death, it was my intention to ensure that HRT personnel in the area of the crisis were fully aware of a heightened degree of threat. [FN583] Similarly, in Coulson's view, the Rules of Engagement: were never intended to change or modify the FBI's Deadly Force Policy. They were intended to heighten the sense of awareness to the dangers presented to our personnel. I have personally issued Rules of Engagement on numerous occasions, both in real life tactical situations and in training exercises. They do not take away the judgment factor of those who implement them, nor do they change established FBI policy. [FN584] Special Agent in Charge, Eugene Glenn, believed that the Rules of Engagement were "within the Bureau's standard deadly force policy, but that they [were] an expansion of that policy." [FN585] He explained that during the initial stages of the standoff: [W]e were completely unable to communicate with the individuals in the Weaver compound, we had no current intelligence information as to the nature of the tactical preparations they were making to engage law enforcement personnel, and I wanted to make sure that the Agents who were moving into close proximity to the compound were clearly aware that they had been given MORE LATITUDE regarding their application of deadly force, if necessary, to ensure maximum safety of law enforcement officers approaching the compound. [FN586] Glenn intended the Rules of Engagement to decrease the reaction time in which deadly force is normally initiated by a FBI special agent. In Glenn's words: I believed that this heightened level of awareness (reflected in the Rules of Engagement) was absolutely essential to preclude further death or serious injury to law enforcement personnel responding to this crisis. By issuing these Rules of Engagement, I was indicating to all tactical personnel the serious nature of this situation and the necessity that they be ready to immediately employ deadly force, should be appropriate. [FN587] With regard to the phrase "can and should," Glenn intended this language to indicate clearly to all tactical personnel that they were fully authorized to utilize deadly force against the Weaver/Harris group if appropriate. He did not intend to remove the individual agent's responsibility to determine whether deadly force was necessary, but simply to advise personnel that action by individuals within the Weaver compound that jeopardized law enforcement personnel could be addressed with deadly force to prevent additional law enforcement casualties. Glenn stated that, although the Rules of Engagement were not a "license to kill, " as some have alleged, they probably put HRT personnel in a more "offensive mode." [FN588] This investigation also discovered several different interpretations of the terms "adult" and "adult male," as contained in the Rules of Engagement. Glenn told us he intended that these terms apply only to Randy Weaver, Kevin Harris, Vicki Weaver (as appropriate), and sympathizers who entered the Weaver compound to prevent law enforcement officers from resolving the crisis. [FN589] As is more fully explained below, other law enforcement officials who were questioned about the Rules stated that only Randy Weaver, Kevin Harris, and Vicki Weaver were included in the category "adult" while adult sympathizers would fall under the standard FBI deadly force policy. The FBI Special Agent in Charge, William Gore, believed that the Rules of Engagement seemed appropriate to the situation at Ruby Ridge. He understood that the Rules made any adult male with a weapon in the Weaver compound the object of deadly force. It was clear to him that Harris and Weaver were the adult males specified by these Rules. He understood that Vicki Weaver was excluded from the pre-announcement Rule because there was no probable cause to believe that she posed a deadly threat to law enforcement. However, before an announcement to surrender had been given, Gore believed that "any armed adult [who] emerged from the cabin... would be displaying clear disregard for the lawful demand to lay down arms and surrender." [FN590] Gore understood the Rules of Engagement as a "broadening of the FBI's deadly force policy ... based upon these specific subject having demonstrated their willingness to kill a Federal official to avoid capture." [FN591] Gore believed Rogers and Smith had formulated the Rules during their trip to Idaho and that they had been approved by FBI Assistant Director Potts. Supervisory Special Agent John G. Sauls, Legal Instruction Unit at the FBI Academy, noted that the nonspecific character of the terms "adult" and "adult male" made the Rules of Engagement too broad for the FBI's standard deadly force policy, unless HRT had also been given instructions as to who fell into these categories. He also found the word "should" inappropriate inasmuch as the final determination as to whether to use deadly force must be made by the agent. He added, however, that, with appropriate additional information simultaneously provided, the Rules could be brought within the requirements. [FN592] John C. Hall, also a Supervisory Special Agent with the Legal Instruction Unit at the FBI Academy, was similarly critical of the Rules of Engagement. In an "informal analysis" that was not an official opinion of the FBI's Legal Counsel division, he concluded that the portion of the Rules stating that deadly force could and should be used against any armed adult male before the surrender announcement could be misread to direct agents to use deadly force without first giving the subjects an opportunity to surrender. He raised the possibility that the Rules could have been misread to permit the use of force beyond that which is permitted by the Constitution or FBI policy. Hall was adamant, however, that, despite the language of the Rules, the decision of HRT sniper/observer Lon Horiuchi to use deadly force on August 22, did not violate either the Constitution or FBI policy. [FN593] Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Lindquist, one of the two prosecutors in the federal case against Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris, asserted that he had "struggled" with the Rules of Engagement. He asked Lon Horiuchi during trial preparation whether the HRT sniper/observers interpreted the word "should" to mean that they must shoot, if they saw an adult male with a weapon in the compound area. [FN594] According to Lindquist, Horiuchi said that he retained a great deal of discretion and that he and the other HRT members approached the situation according to the FBI's standard policy on the use of deadly force. [FN595] Frederick Lanceley, the FBI Hostage Negotiator, who participated in the negotiations with the Weaver/Harris group, was surprised and shocked by the Rules of Engagement. The Rules were the most severe he had ever seen in the approximately 300 hostage situations in which he had been involved. He characterized the Rules as inconsistent with the FBI standard policy on the use of deadly force. [FN596] HRT Commander Richard Rogers acknowledged that neither he nor any member of the HRT during his tenure had ever operated under Rules of Engagement such as those employed during the Ruby Ridge crisis. [FN597] He testified that under the standard FBI policy on the use of deadly force the FBI "ask[s] our agents for more-- we're asking that they wait a little longer to ensure that these individuals basically are going to employ some kind of deadly force against them." [FN598] At Ruby Ridge, he said, "we already know that the subject -- in this case, the males from the Weaver compound -- had already employed deadly force against the law enforcement officers, so they had clearly crossed that threshold in killing an officer already." [FN599] Rogers explained that the Ruby Ridge Rules told the HRT sniper/observers that they could wait a little less before employing deadly force. According to Rogers, the determination of how long to wait is left to the individual's discretion. [FN600] By the phrase, "can and should," Rogers meant that the sniper/observers had the authority to utilize deadly force and should utilize it, if an opportunity presented itself. The Rules did not refer to the agents' judgment because judgment "is understood by every FBI agent, and clearly understood by every member of HRT.... [T]hey should use deadly force in order to protect themselves or other individuals." [FN601] He testified that he did not explain his understanding of the phrase "can and should" to the HRT snipers because: [T]hey understood what I was talking about... [and] I trained with them every day, and we discussed -- I mean, an FBI agent, from the time he goes through training at Quantico, has the standard rules of engagement drilled into his head.... I also have a sign with the standard FBI rules printed on it, hanging in the classroom at the hostage rescue team. [FN602] HRT supervisor, Stephen McGavin, drafted the Rules of Engagement based on his understanding of the Rules as described by Rogers. He believed that the Rules were restrictive, as well as cautionary. according to McGavin, the Rules address the application of deadly force in terms of the identity of the subjects and impose certain age and gender restrictions. McGavin believed that the Rules of Engagement were intended to alert the HRT members to the extreme danger they faced and to inform them that they might or would probably encounter circumstances which might call for the use of deadly force. According to McGavin, regardless of the Rules' restrictive or expansive character, they were not intended to replace the FBI's deadly force policy. [FN603] McGavin explained that in the Ruby Ridge crisis, the perception of deadly threat, coupled with the fact that Weaver and Harris had demonstrated a willingness to kill a federal official, produced grave concern that HRT members needed to be made aware of the extreme danger. According to McGavin, individuals react differently in perceiving threatening action and deciding whether deadly force is necessary. He reasoned that the failure to react or a delayed reaction to a threat in an extremely dangerous situation could have deadly consequences for the individual confronted with the threat or for another team member who might be unaware of the threat. Thus, the Rules of Engagement "used in this cries" were designed to give the HRT a clear idea and understanding when a shot could or could not be taken. [FN604] Rogers told McGavin to insert the phrase "and should" into the Rules. [FN605] McGavin viewed the "can and should" terminology not as an order to shoot, but as a reminder that the lives of the sniper/observers and the lives of perhaps many more of their numbers might depend upon reacting quickly to the danger known to exist on the mountain. According to McGavin, "Deadly force 'should' be employed against a dangerous individual who poses a deadly or grievous bodily threat. The determination that it 'must' be employed is the sole responsibility of the person who perceives the threat and acts on that perception." [FN606] According to McGavin, "The 'any adult males' terminology in the second Rule of Engagement which applied to the time period before the surrender announcement, excluded Vicki Weaver from coverage because of uncertainty about her involvement in the shootout with the [Deputy marshals on August 21]." [FN607] McGavin explained that the qualifier, "'any' reflects our lack of information about the crisis site, and addresses the possibility that we could encounter Weaver supporters in the compound." McGavin believed that the supporters would have to display further actions of a threatening nature to be subjects of deadly force." [FN608] The HRT sniper/observers saw the Rules as not merely heightening their sense of danger, but as modifying the usual deadly force policy. For example, Dale Monroe interpreted the Rules as a "green light" to use deadly force against armed adult males. [FN609] Edward Wenger believed that, if he observed armed adults, he could use deadly force, but standard FBI shooting policy was to be applied to all others at the cabin. [FN610] Another sniper/observer, Warren Bamford, recalled that an arrest team was to be sent to the cabin to demand that Weaver and Harris surrender, but, under the Rules of Engagement, deadly force could be used against armed, adult males outside the cabin before the team arrived. Bamford found the Rules "not consistent with the Standard FBI Deadly Force policy, in that the obvious and imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm had been predetermined," but he believed that the threat was severe enough to warrant such Rules. [FN611] Mark Tilton remembered: As a part of the briefing, we were also given the rules of engagement which set forth the conditions under which we are authorized to utilize our weapons. These rules were reiterated in detail by SA Lester Hazen, Sniper coordinator, prior to our tactical deployment. We were told that the FBI's standard policy concerning the use of deadly force applied in this situation and that there were additional special rules of engagement WHICH WOULD APPLY IN THIS SITUATION. (EMPHASIS ADDED.) [FN612] Similarly, Jerome Barker stated that, "[1]s part of the briefing given by Les Hazen, we were told that there were special rules of engagement WHICH WE WERE TO ABIDE BY." (Emphasis added.) [FN613] Among the FBI SWAT teams deployed to the RUBY Ridge site, there was a wide variety of interpretations of the Rules of Engagement. Denver SWAT team leader Gregory Sexton recalled the Rules as, "[i]f you see Weaver or Harris outside with a weapon, you've got the green light." He had never seen such severe Rules of Engagement, and he believed that they were inappropriate because briefings about the subjects, Degan's death, and observation of the terrain would be sufficient to alert tactical personnel to the dramatically increased danger without superseding standard deadly force policy. [FN614] Another member of the Denver SWAT team characterized the Rules as "strong" and as a departure from the FBI's standard deadly force policy. [FN615] A third member of Denver SWAT, who was briefed on the Rules by the Denver SWAT team leaders, remembered the Rules of Engagement as "if you see 'em, shoot 'em." this agent had never been given such Rules of Engagement before, and he felt that they were inappropriate. He said other SWAT team members were taken aback by the Rules and that most of them clung to the FBI's standard deadly force policy. [FN616] A fourth Denver SWAT team member's reaction to the Rules at the time was, "[y]ou've gotta be kidding." He viewed the Rules as an imperative without clarification and inconsistent with the FBI's standard deadly force policy. [FN617] One of the members of the Marshals Service SOG, who was deployed to provide rear protection for the HRT personnel, was briefed in the HRT tent by the FBI on the Rules of Engagement. Although he did not disagree with the Rules because "they had drawn first blood," he would have been "full of questions about the Rules," had been in a position to take a shot. [FN618] Most significant is the testimony of Lon Horiuchi, the sniper/observer who eventually fired at members of the Weaver/Harris group. Horiuchi conceded that the Rules were different from those in the FBI manual and the Rules under which the HRT usually operated. He had never before been asked to operate under such Rules, which differed from the standard deadly force policy in that "the decision that we were already in danger had already been made for us prior to going on the hill." [FN619] Horiuchi testified that this was the first time he had been asked to apply Rules that differed from the standard deadly force policy. Under the latter, he could not shoot a person, unless that person posed a threat to his or another person's safety, and the decision as to whether a person posed a threat was left to Horiuchi. Under the new Rules, the decision that there was a threat had already been made. [FN620] Horiuchi acknowledged that, under the Rules, he could and should shoot any adult male, if he had an opportunity. [FN621] The following exchange during cross-examination summarizes Horiuchi's perception of the Rules: Q: Were you advised that the folks there had a habit of coming out of the house with the weapons? A: Yes sir, I believe that was one of the briefings. Q: So you knew that sometimes they came out, the dogs barked, they came out with their weapons, you knew that, didn't you? A: Yes, sir. Q: Under your rules of engagement, you could then and should, if they came out of the house, you could and should use deadly force? A: Yes, sir, it is true. [FN622] d. Deployment of FBI HRT, SWAT and U.S. Marshals Service SOG Personnel at Ruby Ridge On Saturday, August 22, 1992, at approximately 11:0 or 11:30 a.m. (PDT), FBI Special Agent Lester Hazen, the HRT sniper coordinator, ordered Lon Horiuchi, the HRT "Blue" sniper/observer team leader, to prepare his team for deployment. He also ordered Roger Love, the "Gold" sniper/observer team leader, to have his personnel assist in setting up the HRT's Tactical Operations Center (TOC). [FN623] The teams were told that an armored personnel carrier would be sent to the Weaver cabin to announce that the occupants should surrender. An HRT assault team would be inside the carrier to effect the arrest, if the subjects complied. The teams were instructed to establish positions so that they could provide observation and long range precision fire in accordance with the Rules of Engagement. According to HRT Commander Rogers, the sniper/observers knew that a surrender announcement was part of the plan, but: [G.J.] [FN624] [G.J.] [FN625] Before the Rules of Engagement were given to the teams, McGavin, second in command of the HRT, brought the typed Rules to Rogers at the command trailer. When Rogers returned later with word that they had been approved by FBI Headquarters, the HRT and U.S. Marshals Service SOG sniper/observers were briefed on the Rules of Engagement. [FN626] [GARRITY] [FN627] Marshals Service SOG personnel were deployed behind the HRT personnel to protect the HRT sniper/observers from hostile action from the rear. SOG Deputy Commander Stagg told his sniper/observers to take orders from Hazen. [FN629] The sniper/observers were deployed to the mountainside overlooking the Weaver cabin to provide security for tactical units, which, after the sniper/observers were in position, would form an inner perimeter around the Weaver compound. The sniper/observers were also deployed to be used to safeguard law enforcement officers attempting to establish communications with the cabin. Additionally, they were to be used to gather information about the terrain, armaments, and fortifications, along with information about those present at the crisis site. [FN630] Hazen asked U.S. Deputy Marshal Ron Libby, who was familiar with the area, to identify observation positions and routes for HRT personnel to travel to those locations. The rough terrain made 4-wheel-drive vehicles necessary for transporting the HRT members; Hazen attempted to obtain these vehicles. [FN631] After waiting several hours for the 4-wheel-drive vehicles, HRT Command decided, at approximately 3:00 p.m. (PDT), [FN632] to send the sniper/observer teams to their positions on foot. After briefing the teams on the Rules of Engagement, Hazen dispatched nine HRT sniper/observers in four groups. One "overwatch" group of two HRT sniper/observers was held back to wait for the vehicles. The sniper/observers took several hours to work their way up the mountain to the observation posts. At 3:45 p.m. (PDT), during a reconnaissance flight, someone in the HRT helicopter warned the sniper/observers by radio of movement outside the Weaver cabin and in the compound area. The sniper/observer group halted until it was reported that the individuals had returned to the cabin. the group then continued up the hill. [FN633] e. Use of the Helicopter HRT helicopter pilot, Frank Costanza, flew six reconnaissance missions on August 22, 1992, from the staging area at the command post to an area above and around the hilltop where the Weaver cabin was located. He believed that the purpose of the flights was to afford FBI, Marshals Service, and U.S. Attorney's Office personnel the opportunity to assess the area and the terrain around the Weaver residence. Costanza tried to avoid hostile fire during the flights by remaining at least 200 yards away from the cabin. He described the weather conditions as a mixture of rain and snow and noted that visibility was limited. [FN634] According to Glenn, the helicopter was used to fly over the area to identify possible sites for the sniper/observer teams. Aerial operations were severely hampered by inclement weather. The low cloud ceiling made it impossible to operate the helicopters out of range of the weapons thought to be in the Weaver cabin. Accordingly, the helicopters were utilized at low altitudes, and they weaved "around the crisis site.....to avoid being an obvious target." Glenn took one flight that was within range of a rifle shot, but the helicopter never flew directly over the Weaver cabin. [FN635] A member of the Marshals Service SOG reported that, while he was at the command post area on Saturday, August 22, he saw the helicopter fly toward the cabin and return very quickly. He heard that the Weavers had come out of the cabin and had acted in a hostile manner toward the helicopter but that they had not fired at the helicopter. [FN636] f. Placement of HRT Sniper/Observers in Area Surrounding the Weaver Cabin Because of the rugged terrain and deteriorating weather conditions, HRT sniper/observers began arriving at positions on the ridge overlooking the Weaver cabin approximately two to two and one half hours after setting out from the command post/staging area. [FN637] At 5:07 p.m., the HRT sniper/observer team designated as Sierra 4, of "S-4," arrived at its position. this team consisted of Lon Horiuchi and Dale Monroe. At 5:20 p.m., the HRT team designated Sierra 2, consisting of Edward Wenger and Warren Bamford, arrived at its position. At 5:52 p.m., Sierra 3, consisting of Jerome Barker and Christopher Curran, arrived at its position. Between 5:52 p.m. and 5:57 p.m., S-1, consisting of HRT members Christopher Whitcomb, Roger Love, and Mark Tilton, arrived at its position. [FN638] Horiuchi's "Sierra 4" position was the closest of the four positions, almost due north of the cabin in a line almost parallel to the front wall. He was at a slight angle above the cabin, approximately 646 feet from the front door and approximately 579 feet from the outbuilding known as the "birthing shed." There was a ravine between Horiuchi and the cabin. [FN639] Horiuchi could see the top of the front porch of the cabin and straight through the porch. He could see the front of the door as it opened and when it was in an open position. Horiuchi could not see the front door when it was closed, nor could he see into the cabin. He could also see the deck at the back of the cabin. [FN640] g. Circumstances Involving the Two Rifle Shots Taken by HRT Member Lon Horiuchi (1) The First Shot At approximately 5:45 p.m., Horiuchi saw an unarmed, young female, slight of build, with a ponytail, run from the front of the Weaver cabin toward a rocky outcropping. [G.J.] [FN641] [GARRITY] [FN642] After viewing this female with the naked eye, Horiuchi observed her through his rifle scope and determined that she was a child. Although he could have fired at her, he did not because "the female was not armed at that time and [he] was assuming she was a child because of the size of the stature." [FN643] Horiuchi could not recall whether the front door was open when the child was outside the cabin, but after she returned to the cabin, the door was closed. [FN644] Within a minute after the girl returned to the cabin, Horiuchi observed an unarmed male on the back deck. The man moved to the back corner of the deck where ponchos or blankets were hanging on a string. "It seemed like he just felt them to see if they were dry and then he went back in." [FN645] The man was in Horiuchi's vision for perhaps ten seconds, an, although Horiuchi could have both fired and hit the person, he did not because "the individual did not appear to be armed, there was nothing in his hand, and I did not see any weapons around or on his person." [FN646] HRT sniper.observer Whitcomb, from his Sierra-1 position, the highest and farthest away from the Weaver cabin of the four positions, could vaguely observe this individual on the back porch. [FN647] The other HRT sniper/observers did not report that they saw a man on the back porch. At 5:57 p.m., the HRT helicopter took off for its sixth observation mission of the day. HRT Commander Rogers, Marshals Service Deputy Director Smith, Marshals Service SOG Commander Haynes, and HRT pilot Frank Costanza were aboard. [FN649] Haynes observed someone outside the cabin, but he could not identify the person or see whether the person was armed. [FN650] Rogers and Smith recall that someone aboard the helicopter reported seeing two persons outside the cabin, armed with rifles, although none of the other people in the helicopter recalls observing anyone outside the cabin. About the time the helicopter landed, Costanza recalls hearing radio reports that two shots had been fired. [FN652] Horiuchi heard the helicopter and the armored personnel carriers start their engines, and he saw the helicopter take off from the command post to the left of the Weaver cabin, circle to his left and out of his sight. [FN653] Within five to ten seconds after the helicopter engine started, Horiuchi saw two males and the female he had seen earlier come out of the front door of the cabin and run toward the "rocky outcropping" a defensive position near the front of the cabin. [FN654] [G.J.] [G.J.] [FN655] [G.J.] [FN656] [FN657] Horiuchi saw the three people run behind the "birthing shed,"a wooden building close to the cabin and disappear from his view. Horiuchi focused on the person he believed to be Harris because he was carrying a "shoulder weapon" at "port arms." [FN658] [G.J.] [FN659] and because the person was not making and threatening movement, [FN660] [G.J.] [FN661] Jerome Barker at the Sierra 3 position saw two adult males and one adult female, carrying "long barreled weapons," move from the cabin toward the birthing shed. [FN662] He perceived their movements as rapid, evasive, and indicative of a confrontational posture. [FN663] He lost sight of the second male who exited the cabin, and he saw the other male and the female move toward his position and the Sierra 4 position. He lost sight of these people as they entered a ravine, less than two hundred yards from Barker's position. Barker prepared to "encounter" the two individuals whom he considered a threat. [FN664] Horiuchi continued to concentrate on the person who had rounded the rear corner of the birthing shed. As he came back into view, Horiuchi believed that the man was the armed individual he had initially seen running from the cabin. [FN665] The man picked up a stick and appeared to be poking at the ground and looking up above and to the right of Horiuchi where Horiuchi sensed that the helicopter was flying. [FN666] GARRITY] [FN667] When the person reappeared at the side of the shed from which he had disappeared, he held his weapon at high port and scanned above and behind Horiuchi's position. He seemed to be looking for the helicopter. The person was "watching the helicopter, and at times he would kind of bring his weapon up and [Horiuchi] perceiv[ed] that perhaps he was trying to get a shot off." [FN668] [FN669] [GARRITY] Horiuchi fired one shot, just as the man suddenly moved along the side of the birthing shed out of sight. When Horiuchi shot, the man was at the corner of the shed, with his back toward Horiuchi. [GARRITY] [FN670] Horiuchi "assumed that he was raising [his arm] to grab inside the building to spin himself around the corner." [FN671] Horiuchi acknowledged that when he shot he was aiming at the man's back. [FN672] Horiuchi assumed that he had hit the man or the edge of the birthing shed. [FN673] After he fired, the person "continued to move around the corner of the birthing shed, so -- without any effect, it didn't seem like he was hit at all, so that's why my assumption was that I had missed." [FN674] Horiuchi assumed that the person at whom he had fired was Kevin Harris. [FN675] In fact, Horiuchi shot Randy Reaver. After the first shot, Horiuchi decided that he would shoot at this person again, if he got the opportunity. [FN676] Harris has said that he, Randy Weaver, and Sara Weaver left the cabin with rifles and that he went to the rocks near the cabin to retrieve a battery, while Randy and Sara Weaver went to the birthing shed to see Sammy Weaver's body. After hearing a shot, Harris ran to the birthing shed where Weaver exclaimed, "I'm shot." [FN677] Randy Weaver stated: Kevin, Sara and I (Randy) left the house to check the North perimeter. We didn't see anything so I (R) was going into the guest shed where Sam was to see him one last time. As I (R) reached up to unlatch the door I was shot from the rear and hit in the upper right arm." [FN678] (2) The Second Shot According to Horiuchi, after ten to twenty seconds, the man he thought he had initially shot at came back into his view, joined by the other male and the female. Horiuchi observed the male and female run toward the cabin trailed by nine steps by the man Horiuchi thought had been the target of his first shot. The first two people disappeared behind the open door, and, Horiuchi assumed, went inside the cabin. Horiuchi had determined after the first shot that he "was going to shoot at that individual again" because: I believed he was the same individual that had attempted to shoot . . . at the helicopter, and therefore, I assumed that he was moving back to the house to get a more protected location inside the house and I didn't want him back in the house. . . . [K]nowing that the children were inside the house, that would have been my last opportunity to shoot him before he got into the house because I probably would not have shot at anyone inside the house for fear of shooting the children.....[H]e would have been more protected inside the house and he could have shot at either me or my fellow agents or the helicopter still flying around at that location, probably knowing that we couldn't shoot back in there without harming some of the children. [FN679] Horiuchi fired as Harris approached the porch. Harris was reaching out with his left hand toward the door and taking a last step to the doorway, appearing to be holding the door open or moving someone out of the way. [GARRITY] [FN680] Horiuchi was leading the running target, that is, aiming slightly in front of him as he ran, so that the target subject would, in effect, run into the bullet. The cross hairs of the rifle's scope were on the edge of the door or just on the wood portion of the door. [FN681] The door was fully open, and Horiuchi could see the entire front face of the door, except for the bottom portion. At the time of the shot, the target had his weapon in his right hand and was reaching out with his left hand. [FN682] Horiuchi saw the individual flinch as if he had been hit and disappear into the doorway. The man reached like he had been "punched" or hit on the side; he fell behind the door. [FN683] Afterwards, Horiuchi heard a female scream for about 30 seconds. [FN684] He assumed that the female was screaming because Harris had been hit. [FN685] In fact, Vicki Weaver had been fatally shot. Horiuchi assumed that the individuals preceding the person at whom he shot had gone inside the cabin. He has testified that he did not see anyone standing behind the door when he shot and that he did not intend to shoot Vicki Weaver. [FN686] [GARRITY] [FN687] Horiuchi's report of the events and their sequence is compatible with the reports of the other sniper/observers on the scene. [FN688] At the base command post, HRT sniper coordinator Hazen heard a radio report of "shots fired," followed soon thereafter by a report that "two friendly shots [had been] taken." He recalls transmissions about "armed subjects with long guns," "screaming," and a "possible hit." [FN689] The HRT "Sniper Log" reports at 6:01 p.m.: "Shots fired, screaming." Various other logs contain similar information and more confused accounts of the events. [FN690] Harris has given a statement about the events of August 22. After the first shot, Harris says, he, Randy Weaver, and Sara Weaver ran to the cabin. Vicki Weaver held the door open while Randy Weaver entered first, followed by Sara. When Harris was almost at the doorway, at a point parallel with Vicki Weaver, he heard a shot, which penetrated the door window and hit Vicki Weaver in the head and Harris in the left arm and chest.[FN691] Randy Weaver has reported that he was turning the latch on the birthing shed door when he was shot. When Vicki Weaver exited the cabin, Randy Weaver told her that he had been shot. Vicki Weaver then turned, told the children to go inside, and was putting the "babies" inside when she was shot. Randy Weaver said that Vicki Weaver was holding the baby when she was shot.[FN 692] None of the sniper/observers heard a baby cry during or immediately after the shooting incident. h. Initial Surrender Announcement Following the shots, the helicopter landed at the command post. HRT Commander Rogers ran to the Tactical Operations Center and received confirmation that Horiuchi had fired.[FN693] Rogers and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Glenn agreed to deploy the armored personnel carriers to establish communications with the Weaver cabin. [FN694] The hostage telephone, telephone wire, and other necessary equipment were on the carriers. At approximately 6:15 p.m., the two carriers were driven to the cabin area with only visual contact between them because the agents had been unsuccessful in establishing radio communication. On the way up the mountain the armored personnel carriers encountered an obstruction on the road. While this initially caused great concern, it was ultimately determined that the obstruction was not a booby trap.[FN695] Once they arrived at the cabin are, Frederick Lanceley, the FBI senior hostage negotiator, gave the prearranged surrender announcement. He told the cabin's occupants about the arrest warrants for Weaver and Harris and asked Weaver to accept the telephone so that negotiations for his surrender could proceed. [FN696] The announcement followed the script contained in the negotiations annex to the operations plan that Lanceley had prepared earlier. There was no response from the cabin. The carriers withdrew, laying telephone line as they descended the mountain. At 9:45 p.m., the telephone was operational and five unsuccessful attempts were made to connect Weaver, with the last made at 11:30 p.m.[FN697] 3. Discussion a. FBI Rules of Engagement (1) Factors Considered in the Formulation of the Rules of Engagement In our view, the information available to FBI supervisors justified their apprehension and their anticipation of extreme danger during the initial stages of the FBI response to the crisis at Ruby Ridge. However, we believe the Rules of Engagement formulated and implemented at Ruby Ridge were an extreme response to the perceived threat. HRT Commander Rogers testified that the HRT did not know for certain that the Weaver/Harris group was inside the cabin when the snipers were deployed. Nor did he know whether Weaver knew of the presence of law enforcement or of the withdrawal of the marshals.[FN698] In crafting the Rules of Engagement, Rogers had to consider the possibility that the subjects were in firing position and that they were scattered around the area. Rogers believed that the fact that the marshals had been rescued and that Degan's body had been taken off the mountain did not alter the potential danger. He found no evidence that the mind-set of the people who had killed Degan had changed. They had not surrendered or attempted any explanation for the death, and Rogers had no reason to believe that Degan's death had been accidental. As far as he knew, the Weaver/Harris group was prepared to kill other law enforcement officers.[FN699] We believe that it is reasonable to assume that the occupants of the Weaver cabin expected law enforcement presence in response to the events of August 21. By the time the snipers arrived at their positions on August 22, it is inconceivable to us that the Weavers did not know that they were the focus of an intense law enforcement effort. Helicopters were circling the mountain area and sirens could be heard. The Weaver/Harris group knew that Harris and Sammy Weaver had been in a gun fight with federal law enforcement officials and that Harris had severely injured or killed a marshal.[FN700] Indeed, Harris and Randy Weaver's statements and Vicki Weaver's diary reflect their knowledge that the gunfight at the "Y" was with law enforcement.[FN701] In addition, the Weavers had a television and radio in their cabin and could have received reports about the incident. However, knowledge of a law enforcement presence is different, in our opinion, from the specific knowledge that snipers had surrounded the cabin. We have not discovered any information establishing that the Weaver Harris group knew that they were surrounded by HRT snipers. (2) Approval of the Rules of Engagement Before addressing the legality of and the necessity for the Rules of Engagement, the question of whether the Rules given to the sniper/observers on August 22, 1992 were ever approved must be considered. The Rules of Engagement were initially formulated while Commander Rogers was en route to Idaho. Rogers testified that FBI Assistant Director Larry Potts approved the Rules of Engagement during that flight before Rogers landed in Idaho. The three people, who discussed the Rules of Engagement that evening, recall the proposed Rules differently. Potts recalled approving the following Rules: 1. [A]ny adult with a weapon who was observed in the vicinity of Randy Weaver's cabin or the firefight area, could be the subject of deadly force. 2. [A]ll efforts be made to avoid any confrontation with the children, but if such a confrontation became unavoidable, that faced with the threat of death or grievous bodily harm, the standard FBI use of Deadly Force Policy would be in effect. [GARRITY][FN702] [GARRITY] As the on-scene commander, Glenn had the authority to make such a modification.[FN703] Potts told this inquiry that he did not realize the Rules had been changed from deadly force "could" be employed to deadly force ~"can and should" be employed until after the crisis was resolved. However, he believes that "should" does not mean ~"must" and that it only serves to heighten the awareness of the threatening situation at hand.[FN704] Danny Coulson, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI at the time, also recalled the Rules as formulated as using the term "could" as opposed to "can and should~." He too was unaware that the proposed operations plan contained Rules of Engagement that used the term "deadly force can and should be employed.~"[FN705] Glenn, the senior FBI manager at the site and commander of the effort, had never established Rules of Engagement in spite of years of experience as a supervisory agent. Although Rogers presented "proposed" Rules, it appears that Glenn gave great deference to Rogers' expertise, especially in light of the Rules' Friday night approval by Potts and Coulson at FBI Headquarters. A lack of documentation in the FBI files made our review of the approval of the Rules of Engagement very difficult. For example, we found no entries in the FBI's SIOC log discussing the draft Rules of Engagement. There are no notes or records of Potts' and Coulson's initial approval of the Rules. Moreover, there is no documented approval thereafter. We find this lack of documentation significant and serious. The FBI prides itself on its attention to detail. We find no such attention given here. As was the case here, failing to preserve or create records could have serious consequences in future criminal or civil litigation arising out of similar events. The failure to record and preserve significant events, meetings, and discussions should be corrected. On Saturday, August 22, written Rules of Engagement were approved by Glenn, and sent by facsimile to FBI Headquarters as part of an operation plan sometime between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. (PDT) Glenn approved the written Rules in the morning in their original form and again in the afternoon, as modified to cover only armed adult males as subjects of deadly force before a surrender announcement. That plan was not approved. A negotiations strategy was requested, and other questions were addressed to Glenn about the deployment and the crisis site. Coulson reviewed the plan up to the point where a negotiation strategy should have been detailed. Finding none, he decided not to approve the plan and notified Potts and Glen of his decision.[FN705] No one at FBI Headquarters claims to have seen the Rules as written in the proposed plan, and an operation plan was never approved, although a number of plans were submitted throughout the siege. Before briefing the sniper/observers on the Rules of Engagement, Rogers asked Glenn if FBI Headquarters had approved the Rules. Glenn told Rogers that they had been authorized.[FN707] In his statement to this review team, Glenn stated that at approximately 12:15 p.m.: [The] operations plan, which included the ROE, was faxed to FBIHQ and USMS HQ for review. FBIHQ responded by requesting that we supply a negotiations option, which was not included in the plan, prior to approval. However, I was telephonically advised at that time, I believe by Assistant Director Larry Potts, that the ROE were approved as formulated and could be enacted. Based on this approval I informed ASAC Rogers, and the HRT personnel were briefed on these ROE.[FN708] It is our conclusion that Rogers justifiably believed that the Rules of Engagement provided to help the HRT and SOG personnel were fully authorized. On the trip to Idaho, Rogers had received oral authorization for the use of special Rules from Potts and Coulson.[FN709] Finally, before the snipers were briefed on the Rules and deployed, Rogers secured Glenn's acknowledgement that FBI Headquarters had approved the final version of the Rules. Although we found no written record reflecting approval of the Rules of Engagement, Potts acknowledged that he approved a version of the Rules early in the crisis without the word "should" and with the understanding that Glenn had authority to limit the Rules to "adult males" without Potts' approval. The only mention of the Rules of Engagement in the FBI's SIOC log is Coulson's reminder to Glenn about the Rules of Engagement in response to the latter's report that a SWAT team believed that it had seen Weaver away from the cabin. [FN710] Coulson's response is evidence that special Rules of Engagement in some form had been approved by FBI Headquarters. Potts and Coulson confirm this conclusion. However, since there is not written record of specifically what version of the Rules that FBI Headquarters approved, we cannot confidently say that the word "should" was approved by FBI Headquarters at any time. Nevertheless, since those Rules which contained "should" remained in force at the crisis scene for days after the August 22 shooting, it is inconceivable to us that FBI Headquarters' remained ignorant of the exact wording of the Rules of Engagement during that entire period. (3) The FBI Standard Policy on the Use of Deadly Force and the Constitutionality of the Rules of Engagement The FBI's Standard Deadly Force Policy states that: Agents are not to use deadly force against any person except as necessary in self-defense or the defense of another, when they have reason to believe that they or another are in danger of death or grievous bodily harm. Whenever feasible, verbal warnings should be given before deadly force is applied.[FN711] The purpose of the policy is to inform agents of circumstances when the use of deadly force in the line of duty is appropriate and to prohibit the use of deadly force in other circumstances. According to the FBI's training materials, the policy's importance is its uniformity of instruction, utilization, and administrative review. Such uniformity eliminates uncertainty and confusion.[FN712] "Deadly force" is defined in the policy as force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. Under FBI policy, deadly force is justified, if the subject is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if not controlled and deadly force is necessary to achieve control safely. When deadly force is permissible, agents are instructed to utilize the amount of force reasonably necessary to eliminate the threat they face. When feasible, verbal warnings should be given before deadly force is applied, and, when a subject may be granted an opportunity to surrender without exposing agents or the public to unreasonable danger, the policy requires that the opportunity be given. [FN713] The FBI's standard deadly force policy comports with the constitutional standard enunciated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985), and Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). Garner requires that the officer have probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or others, before using deadly force to prevent escape. The standards for objective reasonableness set forth in Graham are considerably more explicit than those in Garner and also require consideration of whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others.[FN714] The preconditions in the FBI's deadly force policy for the use of deadly force are essentially the same as those stated in Garner, that is, that deadly force may be used to protect oneself or others against death or grievous bodily harm. The FBI's deadly force policy also includes a provision for giving warnings, when feasible, as mandated by Garner. We are considerably less sure about the constitutionality of the Rules of Engagement in effect on August 22, 1992 than we are about the FBI's standard deadly force policy. The Rules provided: 1. If any adult in the area around the cabin is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement had been made, deadly force could and should be used to neutralize the individual. 2. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement deadly force can and should be employed if the shot could be taken without endangering any children. 3. If compromised by any dog the dog can be taken out. 4. Any subjects other than Randy Weaver, Vicki Weaver, Kevin Harris presenting threat of death or grievous bodily harm FBI rules of deadly force apply. We believe that these Rules contain serious constitutional infirmities. First, Garner states that, when feasible, warnings should be given. However, in paragraph 1 of the Rules, the giving of warnings apparently releases agents from evaluating the necessity of using deadly force, that is, from determining whether the subject "poses a threat of serious physical harm." Garner at 11. Garner specifically addresses the issue of the fleeing felon who refuses to surrender and does not sanction the use of deadly force, unless it is necessary to prevent escape and the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others or that he has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious bodily harm. Garner at 11-12. Thus, although paragraph 1 of the Rules was never employed because Horiuchi used deadly force before warnings had been given, it falls outside the strictures of both Garner and Graham, which require that law enforcement officers evaluate the risk of grievous bodily harm or death to themselves and or others, before employing deadly force. Paragraph 2 suffers from a similar problem because it does not provide for evaluation by the agent of whether the armed adult male poses an immediate threat before employing deadly force against them. This contradicts the mandate of both Garner and Graham. Paragraph 4 suffers from a related defect in that it applies the FBI standard policy on deadly force to all parties, except Randy Weaver, Vicki Weaver, and Kevin Harris. The FBI drafted this Rule in that manner because it considered these three people particularly dangerous, especially because the agents believed that Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris had killed Deputy Marshal Degan. However, Garner and Graham do not exempt law enforcement officers from evaluating risk to themselves and others, even from persons they deem especially dangerous. The Constitution allows no person to become "fair game" for deadly force without law enforcement evaluating the threat that person poses, even when, a occurred here, the evaluation must be made in a split second. Finally, the instructions that deadly force "should be used" in paragraph 1 and that deadly force "should be employed" in paragraph 2 flatly contradict the commands of Garner and Graham, which require the careful evaluation of the risk posed by a suspect before law enforcement can employ deadly force. The word "should" strongly encourages the use of deadly force. The use of such language in the Rules was unconstitutional. Despite FBI protestations to the contrary, these instructions did not merely heighten the snipers/observers' sense of dangerousness presented by the situation but went further and sanctioned the use of deadly force without the evaluation of the actual threat posed by individuals encountered by the agents on the mountain. We believe that these Rules of Engagement created an atmosphere in which the sniper/observers were more likely to employ deadly force than had the FBI standard deadly force policy been in effect. In addition to the aforementioned problems, we must conclude that the Rules of Engagement were defective for three other reasons. First, they were imprecise. As we have seen from the accounts of law enforcement personnel who formulated, approved, and implemented the Rules, there was no uniform interpretation of them. Some interpreted the Rules as an expansion of the FBI standard deadly force policy which allowed the sniper/observers more leeway on when to fire their weapons. However, others argued that the Rules restricted the standard policy. There was also disagreement regarding who fell within the coverage of the Rules and the term "any adult." Furthermore, many were adamant that the words "can and should" did not create a mandate to shoot and that the judgment and discretion of the shooter always prevailed. Most, however, seemed to agree that the Rules served to heighten the awareness of danger, thereby reducing the time sniper/observers had to evaluate whether to shoot. The lack of precision and the resultant absence of a common understanding as to when to employ deadly force are serious problems. Regardless of whether the Rules of Engagement had an impact upon Horiuchi's decision to shoot, FBI supervisors at the Ruby Ridge crisis were responsible for giving precise orders concerning the use of deadly force by their personnel. In our view, Rules of Engagement that do not restrict the use of deadly force should not be implemented without clear authorization following the careful legal review of the proposed Rules. Our second objection to the Rules relates to the impact the Rules had upon the HRT during its deployment on August 22. The Rules seem to have created an atmosphere which Glenn described as a "more offensive mode." To this extent, we believe the Rules contributed to Horiuchi's decision to take a second shot.[FN715] Our final objection to the Rules is that they were an unconstitutional departure from the FBI's standard deadly force policy. As noted above, the FBI standard policy requires agents to assess the level of danger before using deadly force and to give warnings when feasible. The statements of the sniper/observers, along with Horiuchi's testimony, demonstrate that the Rules of Engagement did more than merely "heighten the awareness of the danger level" on the mountain. The Rules created an atmosphere that eliminated or significantly reduced the discretion of the agent to assess the nature of the threat, thereby eliminating the constitutionally required calculation of the threat level before deadly force is used. Nothing in the recent Supreme Court cases suggests that the approach adopted in the Rules is unconstitutional. Rather, the standards enunciated in Garner and Graham emphasize the vital significance of assessing the "immediate threat of grievous bodily harm or death to self or others" before law enforcement officers may use deadly force. However, it is clear from the sniper/observers' statements that they understood that the Rules did change and supersede the standard deadly force policy and that the Rules were to be "abide[d] by."[FN716] Although we appreciate that evaluations of whether to employ deadly force may occur in a split-second and should not be judged from the perspective of hindsight, we must conclude that the Rules in effect were unconstitutional. The Constitution places the decision on whether to use deadly force on the individual agent; the Rules attempted to usurp this responsibility. b. Initial Deployment of Law Enforcement Personnel to Ruby Ridge The FBI viewed the situation at Ruby Ridge as extremely dangerous. Potts, the Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI, feared that casualties would be sustained in the attempt to establish a perimeter at the crisis site. He characterized the situation at Ruby Ridge as "the most dangerous situation the HRT has ever gone into."[FN717] Similarly, Coulson, the Deputy Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI at the same time, assessed the situation as posing an extreme risk to law enforcement personnel. In his words, "these types of operations are the most dangerous type of tactical operations that can be undertaken, especially if the subjects have not been contained."[FN718] The first priority of the FBI at Ruby Ridge was to secure and control a perimeter around the Weaver cabin to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel and to prevent the escape of those who may have been involved in the exchange of gunfire the previous day. In addition, the FBI wanted to obtain information about the situation based upon firsthand observation rather than having to continue to rely upon the reports from other law enforcement agencies. We agree that the deployment of tactical personnel at Ruby Ridge to establish a perimeter around the Weaver cabin was a sound decision. Indeed, a consensus exists among FBI tactical specialists and other professionals in the law enforcement community that securing and controlling the site should be the first priority in a crisis. For these reasons, the initial strategic step by the FBI to deploy HRT sniper/observers and members of the Marshals Service SOG around the cabin was appropriate. Another issue surrounding the initial deployment of law enforcement personnel was the delay in deployment, which occurred at least six hours after the HRT arrived at Ruby Ridge. A substantial portion of the delay resulted from the late arrival of four-wheel drive vehicles to transport the sniper/observers to the mountain area surrounding the cabin. This delay was crucial in that the first team of sniper/observers did not arrive at its position until approximately 5:00 p.m. Had the sniper/observers been deployed without waiting for the vehicles, they could have reached their positions some three hours earlier. Considering the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to gather intelligence, the delay was significant. However, the HRT supervisors explained to us that because of the rugged mountain terrain, they concluded that four-wheel drive vehicles were critical to a speedy deployment. Although in retrospect, it may have been advisable to deploy on foot, we believe that the decision to wait for the vehicles was reasonable under the circumstances existing at the time. A final issue presented during the early development period was the need for a call out or to give a warning to those in the cabin before an HRT member fired a shot. Constitutional case law and the FBI's standard deadly force policy require such an announcement to be given "when feasible" before deadly force is used. We find that the management team gave insufficient consideration to giving such warnings. Although we do not believe it was appropriate, or safe, for Horiuchi or any of the other HRT sniper/observers to give a surrender warning to those in the cabin after they had arrived in their positions,[FN719] it was of crucial importance that such warnings be given by others, if feasible. The plan in effect between the deployment of the HRT sniper/observers and the time of the surrender announcement was that contained in the Rules of Engagement which instructed HRT personnel to use deadly force if armed males were seen outside the cabin. We believe that FBI management team should have addressed the probability that once the subjects would come out of the cabin, especially considering the sounds of the helicopter and personnel carriers that were present during this time. The first planned warning, assuming the subjects were contained in the cabin, was the formal announcement which was to occur after the personnel carriers had arrived in the cabin vicinity. The lack of a planned "call out" as the sniper/observers deployed is significant because the Weavers were known to leave the cabin armed when vehicles or airplanes approached. The absence of such a plan subjected the Government to charges that it was setting Weaver up for attack. We believe that the management team did not satisfy its obligation to evaluate the feasibility of giving surrender warnings under those circumstances. The delay in giving the surrender announcement is discussed in greater detail below. c. The HRT Rifle Shots Fired on August 22, 1992 (1) The Applicable Standard for Review The Fourth Amendment provides persons with the right to "be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures," and this right extends to those persons suspected of actual or anticipated criminal wrongdoing. When police officers arrest a criminal suspect, they make a seizure, thereby bringing their conduct within the protection of the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment and the case law emanating from it provides that, while there are important governmental interests in effective law enforcement, there are equally powerful countervailing interests supporting a person's right to be free from the intrusiveness which inevitably accompanies a seizure. The U.S. Supreme Court has considered the question of seizures by the use of deadly force and has articulated a framework with which to analyze their constitutionality. In Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1,7 (1985), the Court stated that "there can be no question that apprehension by the use of deadly force is a seizure subject to the reasonableness requirement of the Fourth Amendment." When a police officer kills or mortally wounds a suspect while attempting to make an arrest, the ultimate seizure occurs. Not only is the suspect deprived of his life, in which he has the most fundamental interest, but society is deprived of the "judicial determination of guilt and punishment." Id. at 9. However, the Supreme Court recognized that effective law enforcement requires that deadly force be permissible in some circumstances. In Garner, a burglary suspect fled the crime scene while a police officer pursued him. Although the officer identified himself and ordered Garner to stop, Garner continued to scale a fence. The officer, who saw no weapon and who was reasonably sure that Garner was unarmed, fired shots that killed Garner. The state statute permitted an arrest by all necessary means if the suspect had been provided notice of the officer's intent to arrest him yet persisted in fleeing or forcibly resisting arrest. The Supreme Court ruled this statute unconstitutional because it justified the use of unreasonable force, regardless of the danger that the suspect presented. The Court in Garner enunciated a general theory permitting the use of deadly force by police officers: [W]here the officer has probably cause to believe that the suspect poses a threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or to others, it is not constitutionally unreasonable to prevent escape by using deadly force. Thus, if the suspect threatens the officer with a deadly weapon or there is probable cause to believe that he has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm, deadly force may be used if necessary to prevent escape, and if, where feasible, some warning has been given." Id. at 11-12. It was not until 1989 in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, that the Supreme Court articulated an objective standard for evaluating the use of deadly force. In Graham, police had forcibly detained Graham, a diabetic, and prevented him from drinking orange juice to prevent the onset of insulin shock. The police handcuffed Graham and ignored or rebuffed his attempts to explain and treat his condition. Graham sustained multiple injuries and was released when it was determined that he had done nothing wrong. The Supreme Court rejected the subjective standard the district and appellate courts had imposed which had required Graham to show that the police had applied force "maliciously and sadistically for the very purpose of causing harm." Id. at 390 -391 (citations omitted). The Court held that instead of a subjective standard "all claims that law enforcement officers have used excessive force -- deadly or not -- . . . should be analyzed under the Fourth Amendment and its `reasonableness' standard. . . ." Id. at 395. (2) The First Shot With respect to the objective reasonableness of each of Horiuchi's shots, we must examine them in conjunction with the factors enunciated by the Graham court -- the severity of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or the others, and whether he actively resisted arrest. Before assuming their position overlooking the Weaver compound, Horiuchi and the other agents had been briefed about the encounter at the Y. From this briefing, they knew that a marshal had been killed; that Weaver had sophisticated weapons experience; that the family had declared that they would never surrender to the federal government and were prepared for a confrontation with the government; that the family was generally armed when they left the cabin; and that the family made armed responses to approaching people and vehicles. Although FBI personnel did not have specific details about the August 21 shooting, they knew: that more than one shot had been fired at the "Y"; that Randy Weaver, Kevin Harris, and Sandy Weaver had been there; and that Kevin Harris had shot and killed Deputy Marshal Degan. In addition, they had been informed that shots had been fired at an airplane and that there had been unconfirmed reports of an April 1992 shooting at a news helicopter near the Weaver compound. Thus, before Horiuchi was in position to react to the quickly unfolding events of the evening of August 22, it could be said that two Graham factors had been satisfied: Horiuchi knew that a crime had been committed, and he knew that Weaver was resisting arrest with Harris' assistance. [FN720] With those two factors satisfied, we turn to the remaining question of whether the person whom Horiuchi shot posed an immediate threat to officers or others. Before Horiuchi fired his first shot, he had two opportunities to shoot, first at the young girl, then at the unarmed man who was prodding the ground with a stick. Horiuchi did not shoot either person because he believed the young female was an unarmed child and that the man was not behaving in a threatening manner. According to Horiuchi, he fired the first shot only after he heard and saw the helicopter. When the person whom he believed to be Harris reappeared at the side of the shed from which he had disappeared, he held his weapon at high port and scanned above and behind Horiuchi's position. Horiuchi believed that the man was looking for the helicopter. According to Horiuchi, the man was "watching the helicopter, and at times he would kind of bring his weapon up and [Horiuchi perceiv[ed] that perhaps he was trying to get a shot off." [FN721] The person in Horiuchi's sights moved along the side of the birthing shed, while holding his weapon high. Horiuchi believed that the person had seen the helicopter and was trying to get to the other side of birthing shed. Horiuchi concluded that the person was preparing to shoot at the helicopter with his scoped rifle. [FN722] He saw the individual watching the area where Horiuchi believed the helicopter was flying and saw the man "getting ready to take a shot at the individuals in the helicopter."[FN723] [GARRITY] [FN724] Horiuchi "assumed that [the man] was raising [his arm] to grab inside the building to spin himself around the corner." [FN725] It was at this time that Horiuchi fired one shot. At the time that Horiuchi shot, the man was at the corner of the shed, with his back toward Horiuchi. According to Horiuchi, he was aiming at the man's back at the time he fired the shot. [FN726] After the shot was fired, the man suddenly moved along the side of the birthing shed and disappearing from Horiuchi's vision. Horiuchi's colleague's, who were able to see the events at the cabin, gave considerable corroboration for his perceptions. Dale Monroe, Horiuchi's teammate, heard the helicopter and noticed it flying around the Weaver cabin. He "thought [the Weaver group was] going to shoot at the helicopter from various fortified positions around the cabin....." Although Monroe's view was obstructed by the brush, he eventually spotted an adult male with a rifle near the birthing shed just before he heard the first shot. Monroe assumed that "the immediate danger.....was to the helicopter". [FN727] Jerome Barker saw two males and a female, all armed with long barreled weapons, move from the residence to the birthing shed. He believed that they "posed a grave threat to the safety of the helicopter as well as [him]self and [HRT members] Curran, Horiuchi and Monroe." Barker was telling his partner Curran of their location so that Curran would "be prepared to encounter them at they approached" when he heard a shot from Horiuchi's position. [FN728] Some of Horiuchi's perceptions as he fired the first shot were not accurate. At trial, Horiuchi was adamant that he never saw a gun in the hands of Randy Weaver, even though Weaver was armed at the time he was struck by Horiuchi's first shot. [FN729] [G.J.], [FN730] Horiuchi was incorrect. Several HRT sniped/observers on the mountainside and Harris himself confirm that Sara Weaver, Randy Weaver, and Kevin Harris were all armed at the time they came out of the cabin. [FN731] Although we are troubled by Horiuchi's inaccurate perception of some of the facts when we took the first shot, we do not think that these misperceptions affected his ability to assess the risk presented. Indeed, we find his perception of the facts most relevant to our inquiry to be reliable and reasonable. More specifically we find reliable and reasonable his perceptions that the target was an armed man; the helicopter was in flight; and that the movements of the man indicated a threat to the helicopter. Based on these perceptions, Horiuchi, as well as the two other snipers, who were able to see the movement around the cabin, believed that the safety of both the people in the helicopter and the snipers were threatened by the armed individuals [G.J.] Special Agent in Charge Glenn noted that, on a reconnaissance mission on which he was a passenger, the helicopter was forced by bad weather to "stay at low altitudes and weave around the crisis site in an effort to avoid being an obvious target." [FN733] Glenn believed that the helicopter was within range of a rifle shot. [FN734] Weaver and Harris have stated that their actions were innocent and not indicative of aggressive conduct. According to them, they left the cabin to view Sammy Weaver's body in the birthing shed an to retrieve a battery. We are skeptical of this account. Indeed, we think it is unlikely they would have timed such innocent activities to coincide with event which would expose them to enhanced risk by leaving the secure cabin and venturing to an unprotected area when armed law enforcement personnel were nearby. Therefore, we find their explanation implausible. We are convinced that because of their knowledge of and involvement in the previous day's shooting of a marshal, the heavy traffic below that was audible in the cabin, and the loud helicopter flights above the Weaver cabin, that the cabin occupants knew that law enforcement personnel were in the area. In light of the circumstances, we believe they probably came out in response to the noise of the helicopter and the personnel carriers, not simply for the innocent reasons they offer. Accordingly, we believe that Horiuchi reasonably interpreted the actions of the three people as they ran from the cabin as aggressive. The law requires that we give some deference to Horiuchi's perceptions of the threat to the helicopter and the individuals aboard it. Indeed, the Supreme Court in Graham cautions that "the `reasonableness' of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight." Graham, 386 U.S., at 396. In Graham the Supreme Court also advised that, in assessing the reasonableness of the use of deadly force, one must allow for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split- second judgments in these circumstances, like those at Ruby Ridge, that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. As the Sixth Circuit emphasized in Smith v. Freland: [W]e must avoid substituting our personal notions of proper police procedure for the instantaneous decision of the officer at the scene. We must never allow the theoretical, sanitized world of our imagination to replace the dangerous and complex world the policemen face every day. What constitutes `reasonable' action may seem quite different to one facing a possible assailant than to someone analyzing the question at leisure. 954 F.2d at 347 Applying these standards to the first shot taken by Horiuchi, we conclude that the first shot meets the constitutional standard of "objective reasonableness". We accept Horiuchi's justification for the first shot. Based on the circumstances present at the time, we find it reasonable for Horiuchi to believe that the armed male he observed was preparing to shoot down the helicopter. (3) The Second Shot We now look at the immediacy of the threat factor to evaluate whether the second shot was justified. The second shot, after passing through the window of the cabin door, killed Vicki Weaver who was standing behind the door and also seriously injured Kevin Harris. As a preliminary matter, the two conditions we found satisfied in regard to the first shot -- the reasonable conclusion that the suspects had been involved in a severe crime and that they were actively resisting arrest -- were satisfied at the time of the second shot. Again, our focus must be on whether the target of Horiuchi's shot posed an immediate threat to the officers or others. In our discussion above, we found that when Horiuchi fired the first shot, he made a judgment of threat and necessity based on his observation that the armed male posed an immediate threat of death or serious harm to the occupants of the helicopter. Horiuchi admitted that, after taking the first shot, he intended to shoot at that man again, given the opportunity, because the threat the subject posed would increase after he returned to the cabin. [FN735] Horiuchi feared that once the man returned to the cabin, he would have been more protected and could have shot at the HRT personnel or the helicopter. Horiuchi felt that the man probably knew that law enforcement personnel "couldn't shoot back in there without harming some of the children." [FN736] The second shot raises serious questions. On one hand, Horiuchi believe that at least one subject was armed and had intended to shoot at the helicopter, and that the subjects now knew at least generally where a sniper was located. However, this perception must be evaluated in conjunction with the reality that the subject were returning to their home and had not returned fire when shot upon. Thus, their actions as they ran into the cabin were not aggressive, but rather protective or defensive. We find Horiuchi's explanation of the threat and necessity of the second shot speculative. Based on the facts known and the actions of the subjects, we do not believe it was reasonable to perceive an immediate threat as they ran back into the cabin. Once the family was back in the cabin, the potential threat to the safety of the helicopter and law enforcement personnel was more remote than when Horiuchi had earlier believed that the armed male was about to position himself to shoot at the helicopter. Although we believe Harris and the Weavers knew that law enforcement personnel were present, no call out or surrender announcement followed the first shot. The subjects were never given a chance to drop their arms to show that they did not pose a threat. The subjects simply did what any person would do under the circumstances: they ran for cover. Horiuchi also confused his targets. He erroneously believed that the last man returning the cabin as the man he had originally tried to shoot. Thus, Horiuchi never saw Harris, the target of his second shot, take any threatening action toward the helicopter. Many of the sniper/observers saw three people running to the cabin after the first shot. None reported ny action that could immediately be interpreted as threatening to the helicopter or the sniper/observers. In a statement Horiuchi prepared later that evening, he explained that, just before Harris entered the cabin, he "stopped at the door looking for either the helicopter or where the shot came from...." [FN737] Thus, even Horiuchi does not characterize these movements as threatening or as provocation for the second shot. Indeed, he admitted that he had already decided to shoot when Harris paused in front of the door. Horiuchi testified at trial, " I had already made that determination after that first shot, so if I saw him again I was going to shoot at that individual again." [FN738] Although we agree that Harris and the Weavers could have fired from inside the cabin, we do not believe that this potential, especially considering the circumstances of the this case, warranted law enforcement to perceive an immediate threat. Since the exchange of gunfire at the Y, no one at the cabin had fired a shot. Indeed, they had not even returned fire in response to Horiuchi's first shot. Furthermore, at the time of the second shot, Harris and others outside the cabin were retreating, not attacking. They were not retreating to an area where they would present a danger to the public at large or take members of the public hostage. [FN739] Instead, they were retreating into a cabin and within rifle shot of well equipped law enforcement personnel. Finally, as we discussed below, prior to this time, law enforcement personnel had not viewed the presence of Weaver and Harris in the cabin as posing a particular threat. In our view these facts undercut the immediacy of the threat that Harris posed to Horiuchi and his colleagues. At Ruby Ridge, FBI supervisors in charge of the crisis determined that, following the deployment of HRT sniper/observers around the cabin, a negotiation strategy was to be employed, at least initially, to solve the crisis. [FN740] The supervisors has decided that the safest solution to the crisis was to contain the Weaver/ Harris group and induce its members to leave the cabin through negotiations. This strategy contemplated that sniper/observers would surround the cabin while Weaver and Harris were inside with weapons. It can be assumed that the FBI command contemplated that, during negotiations, risk form the cabin would be tolerated in the hope of a peaceful resolution. The plan did not contemplate the use of deadly force as the only safe alternative. Indeed, plans to assault the cabin because of a perceived immediate threat had been rejected earlier in the day. Horiuchi's explanation of the threat is, therefore, contrary to the approved negotiation strategy. However, even if Horiuchi's judgment on the necessity to use deadly force was supportable, we believe that his second shot was taken without regard for the safety of others near Harris. Although Horiuchi could not see behind the front door of the cabin, he had reason to believe that someone might be on the other side when he took his second shot. At trial he testified that it appeared that Harris "was trying to hold the door open or moving somebody out of the way" when Horiuchi fired. [FN741] When asked if he "knew there was somebody behind the door," Horiuchi responded that he "wasn't shooting at the individual behind the door." [FN742] However, by fixing his cross hairs on the door, when he believed someone was behind it , he placed the children and Vicki Weaver at risk, in violation of even the special Rules of Engagement: If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement deadly force can and should be employed if the shot could be taken without endangering any children. (Emphasis added.) (GARRITY) In our opinion he needlessly and unjustifiably endangered the persons whom he thought might be behind the door. [FN743] (GARRITY) [FN744]. We also find no evidence that Vicki Weaver was the intended target of the second shot as has been alleged. Horiuchi testified that he did not intend to shoot her. [FN745] Our review of the evidence has produce nothing to discredit those statements. In sum, even giving deference to Horiuchi's judgment, we do not find that the second shot was based on a reasonable fear of "an immediate threat to the safety of officers or others." Moreover, we believe that the shot was unnecessarily dangerous and should not have been taken. We understand that the FBI standard policy on the use of deadly force has been interpreted as permitting deadly force when it is "necessary," that is, "when alternative steps are not likely to lead to safe control of the subject." [FN746] Some in the FBI interpret "safe control" to mean "in custody." [FN747] We are not convinced the this interpretation is sound policy and point out that the interpretation could allowably argue the use of deadly force whenever a dangerous person refuses to surrender, even is less violent measures could be used to apprehend the person. Such an approach raises serious constitutional concern. Supervisory Special Agents John Hall and Kimberly Crawford of the Legal Training Unit at the FBI prepared a legal analysis of the Ruby Ridge incident and determined that Horiuchi's shots were "reasonable under constitutional standards" [FN748]. The Hall/ Crawford analysis concludes that Horiuchi "has a reasonable basis for believing that the two armed, male suspects at whom he fired his rifle met the constitutional criteria for dangerousness" and the both shots were necessary, that is, "no safe alternatives were available to accomplish the seizure" of Harris and necessary to because "permitting a demonstrably dangerous (and armed) person to regain a position of cover and concealment dramatically increases the potential threat to effect the seizures of the suspects." [FN750] Hall and Crawford quote Garner for the proposition that deadly force is justified in preventing the escape of a suspect, "if the suspect threatens an officer with a weapon" or" there is probably cause to believe that [the suspect] has committed a crime involving the infliction of serious physical harm." [FN751] They conclude that because Horiuchi reasonably believed that his targets had "`committed a crime involving the infliction of serious physical harm' [to Deputy Marshal Degan], it was reasonable to believe that `the [targets] pose[d] a threat of serious physical harm'" to Horiuchi and his colleagues. Finally, the conclude that "[t]he Fourth Amendment does not require a showing that the threat was `imminent.'" [FN752] We reject this analysis to the extent that it implies that a reasonable belief that a suspect has committed a crime involving the infliction of serious physical harm eliminates the necessity of considering whether a threat is imminent before deadly force is used. The Hall/Crawford analysis accurately quotes Garner as saying `deadly force may be sued to prevent escape", if "the suspect threatens the officer with a weapon or there is probable cause to believe that he has committed a crime involving the infliction.....of serious physical harm." [FN753] However, this language was not intended to indicate that deadly force, without something more, could be used. Indeed, the following language in Garner was meant to explicate the previous sentence: "Where that officer has probable cause to believe that the person poses a threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or to others, it is not constitutionally unreasonable to prevent escape using deadly force." [FN754] Thus, the use of deadly force in such situations still requires that the officer have "probable cause to believe" that the person "poses a threat of serious physical harm." Such a requirement is consistent with the explicit holding of Garner announced earlier in the decision that deadly force "may not be used unless it is necessary to prevent [an] escape and the officer has probably cause to believe the subject poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm." [FN755] Finally, the immediate threat requirement is reiterated in the Supreme Court in its conclusion that the "proper application" of the Fourth Amendment to the use of deadly force requires "careful attention to a number of factors, which include not only "the severity of the crime at issue," but also "whether the subject poses an immediate threat." [FN756] We conclude that, even if Horiuchi reasonably believed that Weaver and Harris had participated in Degan's killing, he still had to consider the imminence of the threat his targets posed to himself and his colleagues when he fired. Considering the totality of the circumstances of the second shot, we have concluded that the retreating subjects did not pose an imminent threat of physical harm. We cannot fault Horiuchi alone for these actions. We are persuaded that his judgment to shoot at the armed man again, if given the chance, was influenced by the special Rules of Engagement, which he had no role in creating but which he was instructed to follow. We believe that Horiuchi fired his second shot and Wenger prepared to shoot because the Rules of Engagement had a significant effect on the snipers/observers' sense of danger and had encouraged their use of deadly force. [FN757] Although we believe that, even under the special Rules, Horiuchi should not have taken a shot into the door with the possibility that persons other than the other than the target could be injured, the responsibility for taking that shot may not rest exclusively with Horiuchi. As we noted above, the special Rules of Engagement were subjected to different interpretations as to who was a subject and what conduct could be required before a shot could be taken. This inquiry finds that the Ruled expanded the use of deadly force beyond the scope of the Constitution and beyond the FBI's own standard deadly force policy. Despite this conclusion, we are convinced that those who prepared the Ruled believed that their provision were within the law. Having made these finding, we have proposed recommendations at the conclusion of this report. However, because we remain seriously troubled by the circumstances that surrounded the second shot, we recommend referral of the matter of the second shot to the appropriate component of the Department of Justice for a determination of whether federal criminal prosecutive merit exists. (4) Use of the Helicopter to Draw Subjects Out of the Cabin This inquiry found no evidence to support the allegation that the FBI intentionally used the helicopter to lure the Weavers and Harris out of the cabin so that they would be a target for HRT snipers. Utilization of overhead observation to collect information at a crisis site and to determine the possible presence of confederates or individuals in areas adjacent to the crisis site is a well recognized technique that gathers critical information for those responsible for responding to crisis situations. Notwithstanding this conclusion, we believe the FBI supervision of sniper/observers on the mountain was handled poorly. From information received at the Marshals Service, FBI management had reason to believe that the Weaver/ Harris group would respond to a helicopter in the vicinity of the cabin by coming outside with firearms. Notwithstanding this knowledge, they placed sniper/observers on the adjacent mountainside with instructions that they could and should shoot armed members of the group, if they came out of the cabin. Their use of helicopter near the cabin invited an accusation that the helicopter was intentionally used to draw the Weaver group out of the cabin. When asked it the helicopter could have been utilized to draw the Weaver subjects out of the cabin, HRT and SOG personnel were unanimous that such a tactic would not be sound strategy in that it would subject those in the helicopter to severe risk. We agree that the intentional use of a helicopter in such a fashion would be unwise. In view of the fact that three senior law enforcement officials were in the helicopter when Horiuchi fired the first shot, it is unlikely that the helicopter was used intentionally as a lure. However, we do believe that greater thought should have been given to the fact that Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris probably would come out of the cabin when the helicopter flew in the vicinity. We believe that the deployment of sniper/observers with the instructions that they "can and should" use deadly force against armed males outside the cabin, concurrent with the use of the helicopter, set the stage for the rifle shots on August 22. By not anticipating the consequences of snipers in position and helicopter in flight while special rules of engagement were in force, the FBI invited an accusation of an intentional lure. Other than rumors, we found no evidence to support allegations of the helicopter's use in such a fashion. (5) Surrender Announcement In examining the early stages of HRT's involvement in the crisis, the question of the timing of surrender announcement arises, namely, whether before or during the deployment of HRT personnel, the FBI could have announced to those in the Weaver cabin area the presence of law enforcement and could have demanded their surrender. When a crisis presents a heightened possibility that federal law enforcement may employ deadly force, those who have created the crisis situation should be notified, when feasible, that law enforcement personnel are in the area and that they should surrender. Indeed, the standard deadly force policy of the FBI requires that the agents issue a warning, when feasible, before deadly force is employed. At Ruby Ridge, it was of paramount importance to give notice to those in the Weaver cabin at the earliest feasible opportunity, given the Rules of Engagement in effect during the initial stages of the FBI operation. The FBI had a good reason to believe that the people in the cabin had a least a general knowledge of law enforcement's presence. [FN758] It is less certain whether they were aware of the imminent danger of being shot when they left the cabin before Horiuchi fired. [FN759] There was no attempt by the FBI to give notice to the individuals in the cabin prior to the shots taken by Horiuchi. However, immediately after the shots, at approximately 6:15 p.m., two armored personnel carriers were driven to the vicinity of the cabin and a surrender announcement was made. In our view, the factor that caused the FBI to make the surrender announcement at that time was Horiuchi's shots. The Rules of Engagement underscore the importance of the timing of the surrender announcement and make inexcusable and unjustifiable delay in giving the announcement. The announcement should have been a priority at Ruby Ridge, not a rushed afterthought. The FBI should have explored whether it was possible to make a surrender announcement before deploying sniper/observers. We believe it was possible to make an announcement earlier. Perhaps the announcement could have been made without great risk by using an armored personnel carrier or a sound transmitter from a safe distance. At a minimum, we believe that more consideration should have been given to this crucial part of the operation, particularly in light of the Rules of Engagement in effect. 4. Conclusion We find that the decision to deploy the FBI's HRT and components of the U.S. Marshals Service SOG to the Ruby Ridge site was proper. However, the Rules of Engagement drafted by the FBI were improper and failed to comply with constitutional standards regarding the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer. The Rules were also a departure from the FBI's standard policy on the use of deadly force. Implementation of such Rules may have created an atmosphere that caused an HRT sniper/observer to take a shot that he otherwise would not have taken. The imprecision of the Rules resulted in wide misunderstandings regarding the authorized use of deadly force by law enforcement personnel. In addition, the Constitution requires that surrender announcements be given, where feasible, before deadly force may be employed. For this reason, we believe that the FBI should have given a higher priority to making a surrender announcement at the earliest possible opportunity. We believe that in examining the "totality of the circumstances" surrounding the first shot taken by the sniper/observer, the shot met the constitutional standard of "objective reasonableness." Applying the same analysis, we believe, that the second shot did not meet that standard. Although we did not believe that the existence of an immediate threat is a precondition for the legitimate use of deadly force, we do believe that its presence or absence is important. In this case, we conclude that the sniper/observer did not have a reasonable fear of an immediate threat to the safety of law enforcement personnel or others when he fired the second shot. We find that the circumstances which justified the first shot were significantly changed by the time the second shot was taken. There had been no return of fire or further threatening action, there had been no surrender announcement, and most significantly, the targets were retreating into the cabin. In addition, we note that the sniper/observer's perception that the armed adults' return to the cabin would create an enhanced danger was inconsistent with the FBI plan in effect which was to attempt negotiation with the occupants of the cabin. As a result of these changed circumstances, we conclude that the second shot violated the Constitution. We recommend that the circumstances surrounding the second shot be reviewed by the appropriate component of the Department of Justice for prosecutive merit. [Garrity Material PAGES REMOVED 229-232] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTNOTES (SECTION IV, PART F) 528 Thomas Sworn Statement, at 15. 529 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 9. 530 Id. at 6. 531 [G.J.] 532 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 20-21. 533 Id. at 22-23. 534 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 85-86. 535 ID., June 2, 1993, at 24. 536 [G.J.] 537 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 8. (Emphasis added.) Furthermore, Potts said that any written records made by him pertaining to this matter would have been forwarded by him to the FBI Headquarters unit responsible for the management of the case, which was the violent Crimes/Major Offenders (VCMO) Section of the Criminal Investigative Division. Attempts to retrieve his written record were unsuccessful. In addition, toward the end of our inquiry, we made a broad request to the FBI for any and all documents relevant to our inquiry which had not previously been produced. this request went to all pertinent FBI components and offices. Al responses to the request were negative except for one response from the Salt Lake City office which contained no information significant to our inquiry that had not been provided previously. 538 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 8. 539 FD-302 Interview of John Sauls, October 20, 1993, at 2-3. 540 ID. 541 ID. 542 ID. 543 FD-302 Interview of Lee C. Rasmussen, January 12, 1994, at 2. 544 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 23, 1993, at 9. 545 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 10-11. Coulson reminded Rogers of a 1988 HRT deployment in Utah, which had resulted in the only killing of a law enforcement officer during an HRT operation. Coulson believed that the Utah incident was strikingly similar to the Weaver crisis. According to Coulson, in the Utah case, BATF had requested the FBI to assist in apprehending Adam Swapp who had been implicated in the bombing of a Mormon temple. Like Randy Weaver, Swapp was a survivalist who armed himself, his associates, and family members. The HRT was deployed to assist the Salt Lake City Division in apprehending Swapp. Thereafter, a standoff occurred during which Swapp and other adults routinely left their residence while armed. Throughout the siege, Swapp and others threatened law enforcement personnel, fired upon the perimeter of the FBI agents, and resisted arrest. At the end of the siege, a young boy, who was confined to a wheelchair, shot and killed a local police officer from a window of the house as HRT members and other law enforcement personnel attempted to apprehend Swapp. Coulson and Rogers discussed at length the circumstances of the 1988 case, and Coulson expressed concern that the HRT would incur casualties if adequate precautions were not taken at Ruby ridge. ID. at 4-5. 546 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 6. 547 Smith Sworn Statement, January 6, 1994, at 5-6. 548 ID. at 6. 549 [G.J.] While waiting for the rest of the team to arrive, HRT Supervisor Stephen McGavin, second in command to Rogers, began writing the Rules of Engagement from his memory of the discussions on the airplane. 550 Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 5. 551 Sworn Statement of Stephen Peter McGavin, November 19, 1993, at 8. 552 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 44. 553 Trial Exhibit No. 41-3, UNITED STATES V. WEAVER, CR 92- 080-N-EJL. The Rule was modified from "adult" to "adult male" to exclude Vicki Weaver around 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. after consultation with Glenn because Vicki Weaver was not seen at the site of Degan's slaying. The change was communicated to the sniper/observers before deployment. Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 31. 554 ID. at 31-32. 555 ID. at 50. 556 ID. at 47-48. 557 ID. at 48. 558 There are no documentation or log entries related to these discussions. 559 Stagg FD-302, October 21, 1993, at 7. 560 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 11-12. 561 [G.J.] 562 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 99-100. See Trial Exhibit No. 41-4. 563 McGavin Sworn Statement, November 19, 1993, at 14. 564 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 12-13. 565 Crisis Center Log, August 22, 1992, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). 566 ID. at 3:33 p.m. (EDT). 567 Crisis Center Log, August 22, 1992, entering at 4:50 p.m. (EDT). The Log also stated that weather was a major factor and that the plan was scheduled to commence late that afternoon but might be pushed back because of weather conditions. Concern was raised about the deployment of gas into the residence because of the high degree of risk to small children and the possibility that a one year old baby was inside. Although the Crisis Center Log notes receipt of the draft operational plan from the FBI at 5:40 p.m. (EDT), the FBI SICC log has no entries recording the plan's receipt or transmission to the Crisis Center. 568 Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 8-9. 569 Gore recalls this discussion as follows: Lou Stagg voiced an opinion it wouldn't work; it would get our people killed. I became aware that Marshal's Service representatives contacted the USMS command post in Washington, D.C. complaining about the FBI's handling of this matter. I do not recall that these Marshal's Service representatives provided and viable alternative to the Operational Plan as drafted other than the possible suggestion to effect it during hours of darkness. Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 9-10. 570 Coulson told Potts why he had not approved the proposed plan. Although Potts did not see the plan, he agreed with Coulson's rejection of it. 571 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 9, 13-14. 572 FBI Strategic Information and Operations Center entry, August 22, 1992, at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) (hereinafter cited as "SIOC Log".) (Emphasis added.) Subsequent interviews determined that Weaver was not actually seen, but that tactical personnel had heard a person they believed to be Weaver, yelling from a distance. 573 Coulson FD-302, November 3, 1993, at 9-10. 574 Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 10. He stated that Headquarters "wanted our negotiation strategy which was an objective of our plan to be documented in the plan.... Despite FBIHQ's knowledge of our clear intent to initiate negotiations as soon as possible, written documentation was being required."ID. 575 FD-302 Interview of Frederick Lanceley, September 2, 1993, at 2. 576 FD-302 Interview of Frederick Lanceley, October 19, 1993 at 2-3. 577 SIOC Log, August 22, 1992, at 7:52 p.m. EDT (4:52 p.m. PDT). 578 SIOC Log, August 22, 1992, at 7:53 p.m. EDT (4:53 p.m. PDT). The Crisis Center Log states that the negotiation annex was received from the FBI at 7:50 p.m. (EDT). The command post explained that APCs would be "activated in 30 minutes." Crisis Center Log, August 22, 1992, at 7:50 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. (EDT). 579 The FBI conducted an internal administrative inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the two HRT rifle shots on August 22, 1992. For a discussion of the results of that inquiry see Section IV (G), INFRA. 580 [GARRITY] 581 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 16. 582 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at102. 583 Potts continued: ROE are utilized as a method of assisting tactical personnel in identifying and refining the perception of the level of risk. They are never intended to obviate the standard FBI deadly force policy. When HRT deploys, the initial mission is to isolate and contain subjects. Sniper/observers are usually utilized to begin this task, and they are usually deployed immediately. ROE are established and given these personnel as a means of further identifying the level of risk, in a concise manner.... As stated in the document ROE provide, in part: 'If any adult in the compound is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement is made, deadly force can and should be employed to neutralize the individual. If any adult male is observed with a weapon prior to the announcement, deadly force can and should be employed, if the shot can be taken without endangering the children.' Although I personally would not normally, and did not use the word 'should' in that context, it is my belief that it only serves to heighten the awareness of the threatening situation at hand, and does not mean 'must'. Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 8-10. 584 Coulson Sworn Statement, December 7, 1993, at 6. 585 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 13. 586 ID. at 15. (Emphasis added.) 587 Glenn explained that he intended the Rules of Engagement to clearly differentiate this situation from similar situations where "operational personnel are precluded from using deadly force because of other ongoing initiatives." ID. at 16. 588 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 14-15. 589 ID., at 14. 590 Gore explained: In addition to the willingness to shoot a law enforcement officer as shown by the killing of DUSM Degan, the ROE [Rules of Engagement] were predicated on the totality of the intelligence information as provided up to that time, again primarily by the USMS. Weaver had been reported to have a large cache of weapons. It had been initially reported he was a Green Beret during his military service and that he had opportunity for 18 months to fortify his compound during the extended fugitive investigation by the USMS. I was also aware that newspaper articles had been written suggesting that Weaver would not be taken alive. It was also remarked that he would not come down from the hill.... This intelligence, at times, also included that he possibly possessed infrared equipment, explosives, hand grenades and had placed booby traps. Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 7-8. 591 ID. at 7. 592 Sauls FD-302, October 20, 1993, at 3-4. 593 Memorandum by Supervisory Special Agents John C. Hall and Kimberly Ann Crawford, entitled, " A Legal and Policy Analysis of the Shooting Incident at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, 8/22/92", December 2, 1993, at 7-8 (hereinafter cited as "Hall/Crawford Memo"). 594 Lindquist Interview, Tape 6, at 16-17. 595 ID. According to Lindquist, HRT Commander Rogers seemed sincere in explaining that he used the Rules to protect his personnel. Rogers characterized the Rules as an expansion of the FBI standard policy on the use of deadly force. Lindquist recognized the possibility that the Rules might be rejected by the jury at trial as overreaching and excessive. ID. 596 Lanceley FD-302, September 2, 1993, at 2, and October 19, 1993, at 2. 597 ID. at 69. 598 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 66. 599 ID. at 67. 600 ID. 601 ID. at 68. 602 ID. at 68-69. 603 McGavin Sworn Statement, November 19, 1993, at 9. 604 McGavin continued: At Ruby Ridge, shots had been fired by subjects unwilling to submit to arrest by the federal government. the ROE were needed to inform HRT members going into a continuing crisis between the government and these subjects, that they were moving in under great risk, and that an individual in that compound with a weapon was already a deadly threat. I am not saying that a decision to shoot would be made for anyone, nor am I saying that ROE would order an individual to shoot. ID. 605 ID. at 8. 606 ID. at 11. 607 ID. at 11-12. 608 ID. at 12. 609 Monroe was briefed two or three times on the Rules of Engagement, "which we all clearly understood." Sworn Statement of Dale R. Monroe, August 31, 1992, at 2-3, 6. 610 Wenger reports that the HRT was briefed on the Rules at the National guard Armory and later at the staging area. Sworn Statement of Edward C. Wenger, Jr., August 31, 1992, at 2. 611 Sworn Statement of Warren T. Bamford, October 26, 1993, at 4-5. Bamford recalled that the team was reminded at the National Guard Armory that normal Bureau policy regarding deadly force applied. However, HRT Sniper Coordinator Hazen added specific "Rules of Engagement" later at the command post. ID. at 2 612 Sworn Statement of Mark E. Tilton, August 31, 1992, at 2. 613 Sworn Statement of Jerome Anders Barker, August 31, 1992, at 2. 614 FD-302 Interview of Gregory Sexton, October 4, 1993, at 1-2. 615 FD-302 Interview of Danny Joe Harrell, October 5, 1992, at 3. 616 FD-302 Interview of Peter K. King, October 4, 1993, at 2. 617 FD-302 Interview of Donald Kusulas, October 4, 1993, at 1-2. 618 FD-302 Interview of Brian McKee, January 7, 1994, at 2- 3. 619 Trial Testimony of Lon Horiuchi, June 3, 1993, at 164- 65. 620 ID. at 166-67. 621 ID. at 172-73. He emphasized that all the snipers were present when the Rules of Engagement were discussed: The individuals that went up on the hill were present when the Rules of Engagement were discussed: The individuals that went up on the hill were pre-briefed by me and Mr. Love, the other team leader, to ensure that the individuals that we had under our control were well-briefed on the rules of engagement. ID. at 178. 622 ID. at 193. 623 Sworn Statement of Lester Hazen, November 19, 1993, at 8. 624 [G.J.] 625 [G.J.] 626 McGavin Sworn Statement, November 19, 1993, at 15. 627 [GARRITY] 628. There was concern that supporters of the Weaver group would approach the Weaver cabin and threaten law enforcement personnel. There were two reported episodes of reputed supporters of the Weaver/Harris group attempting come to their assistance. On Friday, August 25, 1992, two persons attempting to approach the cabin were arrested by the Idaho State Police. On Tuesday, August 25, 1992, five men were arrested after their vehicle was stopped five miles south of the crisis site in Naples, Idaho. The previous day, one of these men had purchased large quantities of ammunition at a local gun shop and had asked for directions to the Weaver cabin. Seven firearms, including two Mini 14 assault rifles, and large quantities of ammunition, were seized from their vehicle. 629. Stagg FD-302, October 21, 1993, at 7. 630. Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 15; Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 9. According to Glenn, inclement weather had limited the effectiveness of helicopter flights in gathering intelligence. Glenn had been given primary responsibility for management of the law enforcement response at Ruby Ridge. 631. Hazen Sworn Statement, November 19, 1993, at 8. 632. Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 23; McGavin Sworn Statement, November 19, 1993, at 15. 633. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 32. See also, HRT Sniper Log, August 22, 1992, at 3:45 (PDT), at 1. 634. FD-302 Interview of Frank Constanza, September 10, 1992, at 1. 635. Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994 at 22-23. 636. FD-302 Interview of Luke Adler, January 7, 1994, at 1. 637. Shooting Incident Report, September 30, 1992, at 2. 638. HRT Sniper Log, August 22, 1992, at 1. Unless otherwise noted, times specified in that log are Pacific Daylight Savings Time. 639. Upon arrival at this position, Horiuchi took out his rain jacket because it had begun to rain. He positioned his rifle through the limbs of a small pine tree. His weapon was a Remington, Model 700 rifle which has a fixed Unertyl, ten power telescope sight. The weapon fires a .308 calibre, match grade 168 grain bullet. 640. [G.J.] Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 52-57. 641. [G.J.] 642. [GARRITY] At trial, he said that the female stayed outside the cabin "two of three minutes, I'm not sure." Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 63-64. 643. Id. at 64 644. Id. at 64-65 645. Id. at 66. 646. Id. at 66-67 647. Sworn Statement of Christopher Whitcomb, December 7, 1993, at 6. 648. HRT Sniper Log, August 22, 1992, 5:57 p.m., at 1. 649. Smith FD-302, November 24, 1993, at 7; and Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 60-61. 650. FD-302 Interview of John Haynes, October 20, 1993, at 7. 651. Smith Sworn Statement, January 6, 1994, at 7-8; Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 63-65. 652. Constanza FD-302, October 22, 1993, at 2. 653. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 67-69. 654. Id. at 81. Horiuchi assumed that the female was the same person he had seen earlier because of her small stature. Id. at 74. 655. [G.J.] 656. [G.J.] 657. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 71-72. 658. "Port arms" is a military term which describes a weapon being carried across the chest with both hands in a slanting direction with the barrel near the left shoulder. 659. [G.J.] 660. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 86-87. 661. [G.J.] 662. Barker Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3. 663. Id., November 12, 1993, at 2. 664. Id., August 31, 1992, at 3. Barker alerted Curran, who was preparing his position at Sierra 3 and did not observe any of this activity. Monroe, who was stationed with Horiuchi, did not see anyone leave the cabin until Horiuchi alerted him because Monroe's view was obstructed by brush. Monroe watched three persons run from the cabin with weapons at port arms or other positions of readiness. Monroe Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 6-7. Whitcomb and Love at the Sierra 1 position and Wenger at Sierra 2 observed three armed persons move from the front of the cabin to rock outcropping. Tilton, the third sniper/observer at Sierra 1, heard radio transmissions that people were outside the cabin, but did not observe anyone. See Tilton Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3. Warren Bamford, also at Sierra 2, did not observe anyone near the Weaver cabin because he was preparing his position. See Bramford Sworn Statement, October 25, 1993, at 6. 665. Horiuchi Trail Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 81-82. 666. Id. at 82. 667. [GARRITY] 668. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 88, 90. 669. Id. at 93; [GARRITY] Horiuchi conceded that, although it may have not been effective, he could have yelled to Weaver and Harris to drop their weapons before he fired the first shot. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 169. 670. [GARRITY] 671. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 40-41. 672. Id. at 42. 673. Id., June 3, 1993, at 93. 674. Id. at 94. However, Horiuchi acknowledged that he know that the man had been hit "in the back up towards the fleshy part of his arm." Id. at 37. 675. Id. at 103. 676. Id., June 3, 1993, at 90-94. 677. FD-302 Interview of Kevin Harris, September 1, 1992, at 3-4. The only other sniper who saw the birthing shed activity was Monroe, Horiuchi's partner. Monroe saw an adult male, who he believed was Kevin Harris, armed with a rifle. The person appeared to be using the birthing shed as cover, while maneuvering to take a shot. Monroe Sworn Statement, November 17, 1993, at 7. None of the sniper/observers saw a female by the birthing shed. 678. Letter dated August 26, 1992, signed "Randall C. Weaver, Kevin Harris, Sara Weaver, Rachel and Elisheba," at 5 (Appendix at 27). 679. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 110-11. 680. [GARRITY] 681. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993 at 113 [GARRITY] 682. Id., June 3, 1993, at 111-15. Horiuchi testified that he could not see through the window in the door. 683. Id. at 126. 684. Id. 685. Id. at 127 686. Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 62. Horiuchi also testified that at the time Harris was reentering the cabin Horiuchi "knew that [Harris] was trying to move somebody out of the way when [he] shot, and that [Horiuchi] knew somebody was behind [the] door." Horiuchi emphasized that, "[he] wasn't shooting at the individual behind the door, [he] was shooting at Mr. Harris." Id. at 61-62. 687. [GARRITY] For a discussion of the discovery issues surrounding the Horuichi Shooting Incident Review sketch, see Section IV(M) (2), infra. 688. The view of Monroe, Horiuchi's partner, was obstructed by foliage, but he had focused his scope on armed people running toward the cabin. At the time of the second shot, an adult male dove toward the front door. Monroe could not tell if the male had been hit. Monroe Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 8. Approximately 30 seconds after the first shot, Wenger was three people running toward the cabin with a female in the lead. The female and male entered the cabin. The second male stopped on the porch and appeared to look in the direction from which he had come. While Wenger was lining up a shot, he saw the individual flinch before dropping below the vision of his scope. He heard unintelligible female screaming for approximately ten to twenty seconds, but did not see a female. Wenger Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 4. Whitcomb saw three people running toward the cabin. When they reached the front porch, he heard a second shot. The porch roof obstructed his view, and he was nothing more. While the people were outside, Whitcomb attempted to shoot, but was unable to do so because of obstructions and the speed with which they moved. Whitcomb Sworn Statement, December 7, 1993, at 7. Tilton saw three persons running toward the cabin and out of his view. He heard a second shot, followed by a woman screaming. Tilton Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3. Love saw two persons running toward the cabin. After losing sight of them, he heard a shot, followed by screaming. Sworn Statement of Roger Love, August 31, 1992, at 4. Bamford was three people running toward the cabin, but lost sight of them as they got near the front door. He could not identify the three individuals, could not distinguish whether they were male and female, and could not determine whether they were carrying weapons. After he lost sight of them, he heard a second shot. Bamford Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3. Approximately 15 to 20 seconds after the first shot, Barker saw three persons moving from the shed to the cabin. One of the males appeared to be holding his left side. As the three reached the porch, Barker heard a second shot and female scream. Barker Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 4. Curran did not see any people, but did hear a second shot and a scream. Sworn Statement of Christopher Curran, November 3, 1993, at 3. 689. Hazen Storm Statement, November 19, 1993, at 13. Cooper and Roderick were informed that night that an HRT sniper had killed Harris. Cooper expressed disbelief and insisted that he had shot Harris at the Y. Id.; Cooper Sworn Statement, at 12-13; Norris Sworn Statement, at 15. 690. The FBI SICC Log at Headquarters reports at 9:12 p.m. (EDT).: SAC Glenn advised that within the last 1/2 hour, FBI helicopter, flying over subject's house, had drawn fire from within the house. Thereafter, shots were exchanged between subject(s) in house and snipers. None of our personnel were struck. Unknown if subjects(s) were hit. The Crisis Center Log reports between 8:58 p.m. (EDT) and 9:43 p.m. (EDT) : two friendly sniper rounds fired into the Weaver house, and reported a possible hit. SIOC [FBI] advised that observation helicopter overflying the Weaver residence had take fire from the Weaver house. Ground observers had also taken fire when snipers returned fire. ADO Smith had telephonically confirmed that the observation helicopter had taken fire during a fly over of the Weaver residence. Law Enforcement officers at the point fired twice, possibly hitting one unidentified male, possibly Kevin Harris..... Mike McShane advised that: [I]nformation received from FBI Command Post is that the HRT believes that Harris has been shot and killed. This information is very sketchy at this time and its reliability is unknown. The Crisis Center Log also reports at 11:26 p.m. (EDT) that: ADO Smith confirmed and clarified that when the observation helicopter was fired upon, three persons -- one male (tentatively identified as Harris) and two females and exited the Weaver house, although it remains unclear whether the females were also firing weapons. When law 691 Harris FD-302, September 1, 1992, at 3-4 692 Transcript of Conversation Between James Gordon "Bo" Gritz and Randy Weaver, August 29, 1992, at 3-4. The bullet entered the right side of Weaver's face, severing her carteroid artery and vein and causing a massive, instantaneous loss of blood, resulting in death. The clothing Weaver has wearing when her body was recovered was saturated in blood. Autopsy report of George Lindholm, August 31, 1992, at 3-4. A holstered semi- automatic pistol was recovered from Weaver's body when it was removed from the cabin. FD-302 Interview of James Gordon "Bo" Gritz, November 17, 1993, at 10. 693 Rogers Trail Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 66-67. 694 Id. at 67 695 It was originally reported to FBI Headquarters in Washington that the progress of the carriers up the mountain was hindered "by a large truck in the road. The truck is anchored to the ground by a metal stake." SIOC Log, August 22, 1992, at 9:50 p.m. EDT (6:50 p.m. PDT) 696 HRT Sniper Log, August 22, 1992, at 6:12 p.m. (PDT) 697 Lanceley, FD-302, September 7, 1993. Attachment at 1. 698 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 64. 699 Rogers Trial Testimony, June 2, 1993, at 30. 700 U.S. Marshal Johnson reported "fly bys" of the compound and noted that "there still appears to be two white males in the compound." Crisis Center Log, August 22, 1992 at 13. 701 For example, Vicki Weaver described the dog chasing the "servants of the New World Order" down Farnsworth Road. Diary entry, August 21, 1992. 702 (GARRITY) 703 November 5, 1993, at 9 (GARRITY) 704 Id. at 10. 705 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 9, 13-14 706 Having spent the previous evening at Headquarters, Potts was at home when the operations plan arrived. 707 Glenn told the Shooting Incident Review Team that, " at 12:15 pm on Saturday, August 22, 1992, the Operations plan which included the rules of engagement, was faxed to FBI headquarters and USMS Headquarters, and at 12:30 PM they approved the plan." Glenn Sworn Statement, September 2, 1992, at 6. 708 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 16. 709 This is confirmed by Special Agent in Charge William Gore in his sworn statement dated November 3, 1993, at 7. 710 This reference in the SIOC log states: SAC Glenn advised DAD Coulson the Portland SWAT team had contact with who (sic) they believe was subject approximately 1/4 mile 'up canyon' from home. He used profanity and told them to get off property. SAC was reminded of rules of engagement and to treat subject as threat if confronted outside home. SAC is working on negotiation plan. SIOC Log, August 22, 1992, at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) (Emphasis added.) 711 FBI Deadly Force Policy, November 1992, at 1. 712 Training Materials on the FBI Deadly Force Policy, November 1992, at 1. 713 Id. at 2-3. 714 The provision for warnings found in Garner, which is also part of the FBI Standard Deadly Force Policy, is absent in Graham. 715 A discussion of the propriety of Horiuchi's two shots may be found below. 716 Barker Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 2. After reviewing the statements and testimony of the sniper/observers and Horiuchi, we have concluded the Horiuchi's decision not to shoot the two armed males on sight is probably a testament to his training, given the Rules on which he had been brief at least three times that day. Those Rules directed him to dispense with the usual assessment of harm, to dispense with warnings, even if feasible, and to shoot armed males who emerged from the cabin. 717 Potts Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 7. 718 Coulson Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 6. 719 A primary function of sniper/observers is to remain undetected. Consequently, an announcement by sniper/observers once in position would, in our view, unwisely disclose their position. Horiuchi acknowledge at trial that he could have stood up and told Weaver and Harris to drop their weapons. However, he also testified that "yelling may not have been effective" and that he "didn't have the time or the distance or probably the voice loud enough to yell at either Weaver or Harris to drop the weapon." Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 169 720 We believe Harris' behavior indicates that he was resisting arrest. After engaging in the firefight that killed Degan, Harris retreated with Weaver to the cabin and emerged only when armed. There was no indication that Harris or any member of the Weaver/ Harris group was going to surrender to law enforcement. 721 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993, at 88, 90 722 Id. at 93 [GARRITY] 723 Shots were not fired at the helicopter. The SIOC Log indicates that shots were fired during the events of August 22. SIOC Log August 22, 1992, at 9:12 p.m. (EDT), 6:12 p.m. That information is erroneous. We have found no evidence during this inquiry that shots fired at any helicopter during the Ruby Ridge crisis. The erroneous entry was never corrected. 724 [GARRITY] 725 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 40-41 726 Id. at 42. 727 Monroe Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 4-5. 728 Barker Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3-4. 729 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 34-35. [G.J.] 730 [G.J.] 731 According to Kevin Harris, "All three had rifles" when they left the cabin. Harris FD-302, September 1, 1992 at 3. See also, Monroe Sworn Statement, December 17, 1993, at 6-7; Barker Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 3. 732 [G.J.] 733 Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 23. 734 Id. 735 Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindquist, one of the attorneys who prosecuted Weaver and Harris, asked Horiuchi during the trial preparation why he believed that the conduct of the subjects, as they retreated to the cabin, constituted offensive action even under the standard FBI deadly force policy. Horiuchi explained that the subjects had been aggressive and that, if they got back to the house, Horiuchi and his colleagues would be exposed to fire without being able to fire back because of the children in the cabin. Lindquist Interview, December 2, 1993, Tape 6, at 21-22. 736 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993 at 111. Horiuchi was not the only person disposed to shoot again. As Wenger watched three people running to the cabin, he "began to line up a shot with [his] sniper rifle....." Wenger Sworn Statement, August 31, 1992, at 4. 737 Horiuchi FD-302, August 22, 1992, at 1. [GARRITY] At trial, Horiuchi characterized Harris' action as a "pause" Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 86. 738 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 3, 1993 at 86 739 [GARRITY] 740 Gore Sworn Statement, November 3, 1993, at 8; Glenn Sworn Statement, January 12, 1994, at 17-18 741 Id. at 111-12. 742 Horiuchi Trial Testimony, June 4, 1993, at 61-62. 743 Ironicall