U.S. Fund Will Help Victims Attend Trial

The U.S. Justice Department will set aside $200,000 to help Oklahoma City bombing victims come to Denver for the accused bombers’ trial, Attorney General Janet Reno announced Tuesday.

The money will supplement private funds.

“We want to be sure that victims can exercise their right to attend court proceedings,” Reno said.

The 1990 Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act says crime victims have a right to attend trials and directs the department to make its “best efforts” to see that they can.

The $200,000 is to come from the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which consists of money taken from federal offenders through fines and penalties.

It added that Justice officials will talk to members of Congress about drafting legislation to provide more money, if necessary.

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