Obama Pays Tribute To Victims Of Oklahoma City Bombing

President Barack Obama is expressing condolences to families on the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, saying America will never forget those who lost their lives.

In a statement Sunday, Obama paid tribute to the 168 people who died in the April 19, 1995, attack. He says while the passage of time will never extinguish the pain of loss, the resilience of the American people and the "bonds that unite us" remain strong.

He says the many first responders who risked their lives to save others on that day, as well as the law enforcement officers who helped bring the perpetrators to justice, provide an example of "America at its best."

The bombing was the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil until the Sept. 11 attacks six years later.

Here is the President's statement in full:

“Twenty years ago today in Oklahoma City, two terrorists attacked their own country, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more. We will never forget the men and women who lost their lives in the bombing that day. The passing of time will never extinguish the pain we feel. But if those murderers hoped to terrorize the American people that day, to break our spirits or shatter the bonds that unite us, then they completely and utterly failed. We will be forever grateful to the first responders who risked their lives to save others, the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who brought the perpetrators to justice, and the ordinary men and women who set an ‘Oklahoma standard' for resilience that we still hold today.

It is with heavy hearts that Michelle and I send our condolences to the families of those we lost 20 years ago. And it is with great pride that we send our deepest gratitude to all those who have served as an example of America at its best.”