Former Attorney General Janet Reno dies

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, best known for her controversial handling of the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas, died early today from complications of Parkinson’s disease. She was 78. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Reno, a former Miami prosecutor, as the first woman to lead the Justice Department. She held her post for nearly eight years, the longest-serving attorney general in a century. But controversy dogged her tenure, making her one of the most polarizing members of the Clinton administration. In addition to the Branch Davidian raid, during which cult leader David Koresh and about 80 followers died, Reno presided over the return of 6-year-old refugee Elian Gonzales to his father in Cuba. She also voiced strong support for protecting abortion facilities from violence after several highly publicized but isolated bombing incidents. Reno did enjoy several victories, including prosecution of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing case and the capture of “Unabomber” Theodore Kaczynski.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.