Sessions was FBI director during the controversial 1992 confrontation at
Ruby Ridge,
Idaho, at which the unarmed Vicky Weaver and her son were shot dead by an FBI sniper. This incident provoked heavy criticism of the Bureau, as did the
deadly assault on the
Branch Davidian compound which lasted from February 28 to April 19, 1993. These incidents were also related to the discovery of severe procedural shortcomings at the FBI's crime laboratory.
Just before
Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd
President of the United States on January 20, 1993, allegations of ethical improprieties were made against Sessions. A report by outgoing Attorney General
William P. Barr presented to the
Justice Department that month by the
Office of Professional Responsibility included criticisms that he had used an FBI plane to travel to visit his daughter on several occasions, and had a security system installed in his home at government expense.
[5] Janet Reno, the 78th
Attorney General of the United States, announced that Sessions had exhibited "serious deficiencies in judgment."
[6]
Although Sessions denied that he had acted improperly, he was pressured to resign in early July, with some suggesting that President Clinton was giving Sessions the chance to step down in a dignified manner. Sessions refused, saying that he had done nothing wrong, and insisted on staying in office until his successor was confirmed. As a result, President Clinton dismissed Sessions on July 19, 1993. Sessions was five and a half years into a ten-year term as FBI director; however, the holder of this post serves at the pleasure of the President.
[7]
Clinton nominated
Louis Freeh to the FBI directorship at a
Rose Garden ceremony on July 20. Then-FBI Deputy Director
Floyd I. Clarke, whom Sessions suggested had led a coup to force his removal, served as Acting Director until September 1, 1993 when Freeh was sworn in.
[6]
Sessions returned to Texas where on December 7, 1999 he was named the state chair of Texas Exile, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing gun crime.