Would the FBI Likely Have Killed Randy Weaver and His 3 Little Girls if Famous Attorney Jerry Spence Didn't

Question

... step in to protect the family from the FBI?

The FBI had (1) already executed Mrs. Weaver while she held her baby and (2) tried to get the Weaver kids to pick up a phone that was set in the open while snipers had their weapons aimed at the phone.

According to the US Senate, the FBI was far too wreckless and overly zealous in trying to get Weaver was only wanted as part of an FBI entrapment.

The FBI later paid the Weaver family $3 million. Is that a sign that the FBI was doing a good job?

http://www.gerryspence.com/

I may not be a fan of Jerry Spence but thank God he was there to stop the Government, which was out of control.

Answer 1

Generally, settlements are paid when the financial risk or reputation risk of a full blown, public trial would out weight the cost of the settlement. The FBI was under a tremendous cloud after the incident and the press and local politicians were polarized. This will probably be debated for another 100 years.

The general consensus is that the FBI was over zealous and that their actions created the situation. Had they used different tactics, the end could quite possibly been peaceful. Obviously there were legal issues with the Weavers and the FBI had the right and responsibility to issue warrants and to collect Mr Weaver to face charges. However, similar to the Waco situation, the FBI has a history of "using a sledgehammer to break a walnut" which increases the level of mistrust that the general public, the press, and other law enforcement agencies have towards them.

Answer 2

Thats absolutely ridiculous. I'm not a huge fan of this Randy Weaver guy at all, but that should never happen to anyone. especially with the little girls and the phone! ugh!

Answer 3

Maybe the sawed-off shotgun bearing Mr. Weaver should have kept Mrs. Weaver and the baby out of firing range - and the rest of them out of explosives range eh?