Judge OKs Closed-Circuit TV Coverage of Oklahoma Blast Trial

DENVER — A federal judge ruled Monday to allow closed-circuit television coverage of the trial of Timothy J. McVeigh and Terry L. Nichols so bombing victims and relatives can watch in a courtroom in Oklahoma City.

“That’s a big step for us,” said Dan McKinney, whose wife was killed in the April 19, 1995, bombing. “Maybe we have gained a little recognition here.”

U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch on Monday rejected defense arguments that a new law allowing the coverage is unconstitutional and that a camera in the courtroom might disrupt the trial.

As part of the anti-terrorism bill signed in April, closed-circuit coverage of federal trials moved more than 350 miles is required so victims and survivors can follow the proceedings. The law was passed after Matsch moved the trial from Oklahoma City to Denver.

Also Monday, defense attorneys made last-chance arguments to ask the judge to throw out evidence against Nichols, saying his rights were violated when FBI agents questioned him and searched his home.

McVeigh and Nichols face the death penalty on murder and conspiracy charges in the bombing that killed 168 people and injured more than 500.

The agents, who interviewed Nichols for nine hours, failed to tell him an arrest warrant had been issued for him and continued to question him after he refused to sign a waiver of his Miranda rights, attorney Michael E. Tigar said.

Prosecutors rebutted that the probable cause for their search warrants came largely from Terry Nichols. “The most incriminating evidence came from Mr. Nichols’ mouth,” said prosecutor Sean Connelly.

Defense attorneys want Matsch to throw out as evidence bomb-making materials seized from Nichols’ property and clothing McVeigh was wearing when arrested. Dozens of witnesses testified about the evidence suppression issue during a four-day hearing last month.

The judge did not indicate when he would make a ruling.