STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT
REGARDING THE SNIPER INVESTIGATION

"The investigation into the recent serial killings in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia is active and ongoing and continues to span into new jurisdictions across the country. We continue to work with federal, state and local officials to gather evidence and follow leads in an effort to determine the full extent of criminal activity.

"We are not ruling out the possibility that other individuals may be involved or that the individuals currently in custody may have committed other criminal acts.

"We will proceed deliberatively, cautiously and not jump to any conclusions. The facts and the evidence will determine the final outcome and we intend to follow the facts wherever they may lead.

"I commend and thank all the dedicated members of the FBI and all federal, state and local law enforcement. I also would like to particularly thank our law enforcement officials in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Washington state, Alabama and Louisiana for their hard work and excellent cooperation in this continuing investigation.

"As we did with the investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects last week, it is our sincere hope to continue the cooperation and consultation with all of the various jurisdictions that are now involved in the prosecution phase."

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