Danforth is empowered to use a federal grand jury for his investigation April 19, 1993 The 51-day Waco siege ended when a massive fire destroyed the headquarters of the Branch Davidian religious cult. The bodies of leader David Koresh and 80 of his followers were found inside. Most died from the fire; a few were killed by gunshots. The government maintains the fire was ignited by sect members, not federal agents. MESSAGE BOARD: Waco revisited  ALSO: Danforth's political career marked by steadfastness, integrity

September 9, 1999
Web posted at: 11:14 a.m. EDT (1514 GMT)

In this story: Reno won't supervise investigation 'Not a good career move' RELATED STORIES, SITES

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Sen. John Danforth, named Thursday to head an independent investigation into the FBI's 1993 Branch Davidian standoff, said his primary goals will be to find out, "Was there a cover-up?" and "Did federal officials kill people?"

"Our country can survive bad judgment," the Missouri Republican said at a news conference convened by Attorney General Janet Reno. "But the thing that really undermines the integrity of government is whether there were bad acts -- whether the government killed people."

In announcing the appointment, Reno said she looked for someone with impeccable credentials, bipartisan support, independence and intelligence -- and Danforth fit the bill.

"I know I will be given independence because I would not do it without it," said Danforth, who plans to run the investigation from St. Louis, where he lives, but will also open a Washington office.

Danforth will hold the title special counsel and is empowered to use a federal grand jury for his investigation.

Despite being the person who picked Danforth, Reno said she will not supervise his work. "As for any limited role that I would otherwise have in supervising such an outside inquiry," she said, "I've asked Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder to handle those duties since he was not involved, in any way, with Waco."

Reno says she will not resign despite calls from some Republicans for her to step down

A Justice Department news release quoted FBI Director Louis Freeh as saying, "I welcome the attorney general's selection of Senator Danforth."

Danforth said U.S. Attorney Ed Dowd has agreed to assist him in the investigation, describing Dowd as "a person who is very highly regarded in our community, a very respected prosecutor," and will be deputy special counsel.

The appointment of an outside investigator had been sought since the FBI recently disclosed, after six years of denials, that it had fired potentially flammable tear-gas canisters near the main Branch Davidian compound several hours before it burned down.

Reno said she had no plans to resign, despite calls from some Republicans to do so. "I don't run from controversy," she said.

President Clinton has expressed continuing confidence in Reno, but has not done the same for Freeh.

Danforth said he had accepted the job with some misgivings, joking that a friend told him it was "not a good career move."

"On the other hand," he added, "it is very important to try to get answers to questions that are important for the whole integrity of our government."

Danforth said he will try not to rely on FBI agents to do the legwork of the inquiry. "My basic thought is the FBI should not be investigating the FBI," said Danforth

Asked about the clamor on Capitol Hill for a series of committee inquiries, Danforth said: "I am not going to try to tell Congress what to do or what not to do."

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