Michael Fortier to be Free - 168 Victims Still Dead

The Associated Press reports today that Michael Fortier will be freed from prison this week, more that a year ahead of schedule. In a plea bargain, Fortier was sentenced to just 12 years and fined $200,000 for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in exchange for his testimony against Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. Fortier’s wife Lori, who helped McVeigh make the false identification card that he used to rent the truck used in the bombing, received no prison time at all in exchange for her testimony.

McVeigh's attorney Stephen Jones said that Fortier and his wife “knew the date, time and place of the bombing and both of them assisted materially.''

What I’m having a problem with is how these people, both of whom not only had knowledge of the bombing plan, but who also assisted the bombers, can now be walking around free. 168 people died in that attack, including 19 children. Hundreds were injured, and untold numbers of others had their lives forever altered.

In my mind, Michael and Lori Fortier should never see the outside of a prison. Tell me if I’m wrong. Tell me if I’m not thinking this through clearly. Tell me why the Fortiers should be free.