America Reacts to Ballymurphy Verdict

Ballymurphy families celebrate the verdict this week

This week's verdict in the Ballymurphy Massacre inquest was clear. There was no justification for any of the killings that took place, the use of force was completely disproportionate and everyone killed were completely innocent of any and all wrongdoing. The verdict was not a surprise, but it was long overdue. The announcement was met with applause by leading voices on Irish issues in the United States.

Senator Bob Menendez

United States Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) said: "I've long advocated for the Ballymurphy families and welcome today’s 1971 Massacre report which found all ten victims innocent of wrongdoing. But many more cases from the Troubles still require investigation as victims’ families seek justice & accountability."

Representative Richard Neal

United States Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA) said: "Having been a vocal supporter of the Ballymurphy families for many years, I welcome today’s ruling of innocence. The verdict is complete vindication for the families and their loved ones who have waged a courageous campaign for nearly five decades."

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America's largest Irish American organization applauded the ruling, issuing a statement that read in part: "After 18,171 days, almost half a century, today's verdict by Mrs. Justice Keegan not only confirmed that the ten victims of Britain's Ballymurphy Massacre were totally innocent but indicts the British who branded them guilty. In the release of today's coroner report on Ballymurphy, Mrs. Justice Keegan delivered her finding that all the victims were unarmed and entirely innocent. Justice Keegan's report confirms that the events in Ballymurphy were the textbook definition of a massacre."