Oklahoma judge who presided over Nichols trial speaks ahead of Murrah bombing anniversary

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Nearly 30 years after the Oklahoma City bombing, one of the judges who helped bring justice to the victims is reflecting on the lessons he says we all still can learn.

Former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor, who presided over the state’s trial against bombing conspirator Terry Nichols, spoke to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City Tuesday with a message centered on truth, justice, and vigilance.

“When I go to the memorial grounds and walk amongst those 168 empty chairs, I think about the obligations that we owe those 168 lost lives,” Taylor said.

Back in April 1995, Taylor was a district court judge when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols carried out their plan to bomb the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

“The first obligation was best defined on that day 30 years ago, when a group of heroic first responders spray-painted words on the wall of the corner of the building,” said Taylor.

On Tuesday, Taylor could still recall the words exactly as they were written three decades ago.

“We search for the truth. We seek justice. The courts require it. The victims cry for it. And GOD demands it!” Taylor said.

Taylor presided over the state’s trial against Nichols, held in Pittsburg County.

Jurors found Nichols guilty on 161 counts of first-degree murder.

“It was a hard-fought, four-month jury trial,” Taylor said. “It became clear early on that the motive for this crime was the defendants’ hatred for our government and our constitution.”

Nearly three decades later, a new generation born after the bombing has now grown up to be adults.

Taylor warned, during that time, misinformation aimed at taking advantage of those who may not know much about the bombing—has continued to grow.

“The many, many wild conspiracy theories that some uninformed people and some journalists seeking attention seem to promote from time to time,” Taylor said. “I can tell you with certainty, knowing all the evidence in this case, that McVeigh and Nichols planned this crime. They carried it out. And no one else was actively involved.”

Taylor said misinformation helped fuel the attackers’ motives in 1995, and is even more prevalent now.

He urged the public to stay vigilant and grounded in the principles of truth and justice.

“We must never waver from the rule of law,” said Taylor.

Terry Nichols is serving 161 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

He remains in a federal supermax prison in Colorado.