Clinton praises work of FBI

Friday, Feb. 20, 1998 | 10:11 a.m.

President Clinton issued a statement Thursday praising the work of Las Vegas FBI agents in moving quickly to apprehend two suspects accused of possessing the deadly germ anthrax.

"All Americans should be deeply grateful to the brave law enforcement officers, especially the agents of the FBI, for their excellent work in this case," Clinton said.

Clinton also reassured the country that federal authorities in Las Vegas have the case well in hand.

"It is important for the American people to understand that their law enforcement officials have this situation under control," he said. "All materials have been seized and are being analyzed to determine if they are in any way threatening."

The president said Attorney General Janet Reno briefed him Thursday on the arrests in Las Vegas of Larry Wayne Harris and William Job Leavitt Jr. and that he planned to continue monitoring the case.

Gov. Bob Miller Thursday called the FBI's investigative efforts "a model for the nation" and offered the bureau the "full resources" of the state if needed as the probe continues.

"The presence of such a threat in our community, even for such a short time, is disconcerting," Miller said in a statement. "Unfortunately, in our modern world, the danger of a biological threat can be very real."