Federal law officers to provide security at Terry Nichols trial

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Four federal law enforcement agencies plan to help with security during the trial of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols.<br><br>The FBI, the U.S. Marshal's Service,

Tuesday, October 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Four federal law enforcement agencies plan to help with security during the trial of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols.

The FBI, the U.S. Marshal's Service, the Secret Service and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will provide manpower and equipment during the trial, scheduled to start March 1, Pittsburg County Sheriff Jerome "Snookie" Amaranto said.

The sheriff's office is responsible for security at the Pittsburg County Courthouse during Nichols' state murder trial. The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department is to provide security for Nichols.

Amaranto said his officers will be identifiable, but federal officials likely will not wear uniforms.

The sheriff said the exact number of federal officers coming to McAlester has not been determined. The FBI might provide several officers, while other agencies may provide as few as one, he said.

Nichols, who was convicted of conspiracy in federal court, is being tried on 161 state murder charges for the 160 civilians and one fetus killed in the April 19, 1995, bombing.

The trial was moved to McAlester because of pretrial publicity in Oklahoma County.