© 2026 ABC News

Garland played a major role in the investigation and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, two domestic terrorists convicted for their role in the bombing that took the lives of more than 168 people and injured hundreds more.

McVeigh, who was put to death in 2001, was a Gulf War veteran who the FBI has said was motivated by a desire to overthrow the U.S. government and had described members of the white power movement as his \"brothers in arms.\"

\"PHOTO:
Luke Barr/ABC News
PHOTO: ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas speaks with Attorney General Merrick Garland in Tulsa, OK.
>

Garland, a grandson of immigrants who fled anti-Semitism in Russia and found safe harbor in the United States, grew tearful in his interview with ABC News as he reflected on his family's background and how he said it informs his actions as a public servant.

\"All of us in our family feel an obligation, public service and try to protect other people the way the country protected us,\" Garland said. \"That makes the job at the Justice Department to ensure equal justice under law for all American citizens.\"

\"PHOTO:
Luke Barr/ABC News
PHOTO: ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas speaks with Attorney General Merrick Garland in Tulsa, OK.
>

Garland on Monday attended the 26th anniversary service at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and then participated in the first sit-down interview of his tenure with ABC News -- portions of which will air across ABC News platforms including \"World News Tonight with David Muir\" on Monday and \"Good Morning America\" on Tuesday.

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