Alley denies requests from both sides that he step aside because his office and courtroom were damaged by bomb. Defense attorneys seek to move trial out out of Oklahoma, arguing that intense media coverage tainted jury pool. Federal appeals court removes Alley, ruling that bomb damage to his courtroom and chambers could raise doubts about his impartiality. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch of Denver appointed to preside. Matsch strikes May 17 trial date.
Medical examiners announce that mystery leg belonged to previously identified victim.
Mourners gather at bombing site on first anniversary, pausing for 168 seconds of silence, one for each person killed in blast. Matsch rejects Nichols' challenge to federal death penalty. He later orders telecast to be shown in government auditorium near Oklahoma City airport. Matsch refuses to throw out bulk of evidence, and says statements Nichols made to authorities after his arrest could be used against him, but not against McVeigh. Matsch rules federal death penalty is constitutional.