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FBI hopes sketches will help nab bomber
Centennial Park reopens Tuesday with doubled security
July 29, 1996
Web posted at: 1:30 a.m. EDT
ATLANTA (CNN) -- The FBI has developed composite sketches of suspicious individuals who were seen wandering in and around Centennial Olympic Park early Saturday when a bomb jolted the area, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others.
The park, meanwhile, will reopen Tuesday morning amid heavy security.
FBI Special Agent David Tubbs said investigators have many promising leads and have finished collecting evidence at the scene. Investigators are "confident" the culprit will be nabbed.(297K AIFF or WAV sound)
"An intensive investigation is being conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies," Tubbs said. "Through this cooperative effort, we are confident we will solve this horrible crime."
Park security will be doubled for Tuesday's reopening, and Olympic revelers will be subject to random bag checks upon entering. More observation points will be scattered throughout the park, as well, said A.D. Frazier, a spokesman for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. (137K AIFF or WAV sound)
In addition, metal detectors will be placed at the park's entrances, sources told CNN.
Sketches could prove key
The composite sketches are based on several eyewitness accounts of suspicious people. CNN has learned that the FBI has shown the drawings to numerous people present in the park when the bomb exploded.
One person who saw the composites told CNN he remembered seeing one of the suspicious characters.
Sketches will not be made public until investigators "determine the value of the leads," Tubbs said.
Agents believe a white American man is behind the attack, even though no one has claimed responsibility. Tubbs said investigators believe the culprit is the same person who made a bomb threat minutes before the explosion.
The warning call came from a public telephone outside a Days Inn in downtown Atlanta, a few blocks from the park. The phone has been shipped to FBI headquarters in Washington for forensic tests. Voice experts have identified the caller as a white American man.
Atlanta Police Chief Beverly Harvard rejected the idea that personnel didn't respond quick enough to the call. She said security followed proper procedures: an officer was dispatched to the pay phone, and park security guards and the bomb management center were notified.
"The caller only stated that there was a bomb in the park, with no specific location being given at all," she said. "Basically, he said, 'You have 30 minutes.' And hung up."
Tubbs urges anyone who saw a man near the hotel around 1 a.m. Saturday to call the FBI hot line, 1 (800) 905-1514.(189K AIFF or WAV sound)
Tubbs said no other explosives have been found during the Olympic Games.
Attack won't kill spirit
The park has been closed since early Saturday as investigators combed the area gathering evidence and searching for clues.
But with the FBI's search over, Olympic officials felt the need to reopen the park, even if it meant beefing up security.
"An act of terrorism cannot and will not break the spirit of freedom and participation, which has heretofore existed one and all," Frazier said.
The park is in the heart of the Olympic melee, surrounded by three of the busiest venues, and it has become one of the central gathering points for revelers. Children danced and splashed in park fountains. People enjoyed the numerous exhibits, music performances and shops. Some traded pins and greetings; others simply walked around, sharing the Olympic ambiance of peace.
After the blast, police sealed off a few blocks encompassing the park. Festive Olympic streamers and flags were overshadowed by yellow tape that read: "Atlanta Police Line -- Do Not Cross."
Olympic spectators like Charlie and Cindy Keeble are looking forward to a stroll through the park with their children. And they're pleased with the increased security.
"We brought our children with us. We thought it was a good opportunity for them," Cindy said. "These searches are making it safe for all of us."
Reactions of People on the Street
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Woman talks about bags being searched (83K AIFF or WAV sound) |
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Man says he's "not concerned" (107K AIFF or WAV sound) |
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Man speaks about people's spirit (122K AIFF or WAV sound) |
Clinton pushes for anti-terrorism laws
In related news, President Clinton said congressional leaders will meet Monday to discuss anti-terrorist legislation. He added that America will not be intimidated by terrorist acts.
"We all have to say, 'We cannot live with this. It is wrong,'" Clinton said.
Republican presidential hopeful Bob Dole also expressed his dismay over the attack: "No words can adequately convey the sadness felt by all Americans over this act of unmitigated evil."
Relatives of 11 Israel members slain at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich urged the International Olympic Committee to honor those victims at future Games.
A memorial service was held by Atlanta's Jewish community to commemorate those who were slain in Munich.
"They deserve a little honor. They should be part of the history of the Olympic Games," said Eugenia Shpringer, whose father was killed in Munich. "I want it to be official -- that they will be mentioned during the Olympic opening ceremony or that a moment of silence is held."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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