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Attorney General Stands Pat Against Federal Action on Bombings

May 28, 1958
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Attorney General William P. Rogers told a press conference today that the bombing of synagogues in the South was primarily a matter for local authorities and that he did not think it a good idea to get the Federal Government involved in investigations where the government could not prosecute.

He indicated that further Federal action than assistance presently afforded local police might shift the responsibility for prosecution away from local authorities.

Asked if the Justice Department favored legislation that would expand FBI authority to deal with the dynamiters, Rogers did not express a desire for such legislation.

He thought the bombings “atrocious,” but said the Justice Department wants to take action only in the “right way.” Mr. Rogers stressed that it is the Justice Department view that primary responsibility to deal with the bombings rests with municipal and state authorities.

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