ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT TO SPEAK AT
NATIONAL OBSERVANCE REMEMBERING NATION’S CRIME VICTIMS

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Attorney General John Ashcroft will deliver remarks at the National Crime Victims’ Candlelight Observance on THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2003 in Washington, D.C. The first national candlelight observance (6:30 p.m. - Attorney General remarks at 7:00 p.m.) is sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

WHO:Attorney General John Ashcroft

WHAT:2003 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

National Candlelight Observance

WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 2003

6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - Attorney General remarks estimated at 7:00 p.m.

*Credentialed media should arrive at 5:30 p.m. with ID and check-in at the designated table to obtain a press badge. Mult box and risers will be provided.

WHERE:The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

4th and E Streets, NW - Judiciary Square

Washington, D.C.

RAIN LOCATION (Decided by 2:00 p.m.)

US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

450 E St. NW

Washington, D.C.

*Media vans can park on E St. NW between 4th and 5th Streets

EVENT BACKGROUND:

OJP Assistant Attorney General Deborah J. Daniels and OVC Director John W. Gillis will be joined by Roscoe C. Howard, Jr., United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA), and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-1st District) at the event.

During the observance eight individuals and two teams will be recognized for exceptional work on behalf of crime victims. These honorees will be available after the observance for interviews. Ten “promise-makers” from across the nation will present goals and priorities.

Communities nationwide will be holding their own candlelight observances during the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed this year from April 6 to April 12.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Media interested in covering the event should contact Josie Duckett with Main Justice Public Affairs at 202-305-5623 or Adam Spector with the Office of Justice Programs at 202-307-3912.

For interviews with the 2003 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Award Winners, Ms. Daniels or Mr. Gillis following the event, media should contact Adam Spector with the Office of Justice Programs at 202-307-3912.

###

03-208