McVeigh was given Last Rites

Timothy McVeigh was given the Last Rites in his final moments before execution.

He was given the Last Rites in the death chamber before curtains were drawn for witnesses to watch the execution.

The Reverend Ron Ashmore, of St Margaret Mary Church, said the sacrament had been administered by Terre Haute prison chaplain Frank Roof. Last Rites usually requires an admission of sorrow for past sins.

Rev Ashmore said: "Tim was raised Catholic. He knows when you ask for that, it's like saying, 'I'm sorry for everything I've done Lord. Please love me.'"

One of McVeigh's attorneys, Nathan Chambers, said that, when he arrived at the prison, the warden told him a priest was available if the bomber wanted Last Rites.

Chambers said that, when he asked McVeigh, he replied: "He said, 'Sure, send him in.'"