THE END OF SHOOT-ON-SIGHT

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Overwhelming criticism of the FBI's handling of the 1992 Ruby Ridge shootout has prompted the Clinton Administration to revamp the rules of engagement. Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick told a Senate subcommittee investigating the Idaho tragedy that agents now can use deadly force only when they have a "reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to another person." During the Ruby Ridge siege, the rules of engagement were changed to allow federal agents greater freedom in deciding when to shoot any adult male. Soon afterward, white separatist Randy Weaver's wife and son were killed. Says Washington correspondent Elaine Shannon: "These rules are intended to create situations that are much more conducive to negotiating with subjects rather than shooting them."