"From Dec. 2, John Lindh asked for a lawyer, repeatedly asked for a lawyer. And the officials who have commented on this case ... knew that." — Lindh's attorney, James Brosnahan.
"John Walker chose to join terrorists who wanted to kill Americans, and he chose to waive his right to an attorney, both orally and in writing, before he was questioned by the FBI. ... Mr. Walker will be held responsible in the courtroom for his choices." — Attorney General John Ashcroft.
"Despite the government's effort to demonize him, he's a nice young man. Like an awful lot of Americans you meet who are 20 years old, he's got a sense of humor." — attorney Brosnahan.
While at an al-Qaida training camp in June, Lindh "learned from one of his instructors that Osama bin Laden had sent people to the United States to carry out several suicide operations. ... Walker and four other trainees met with bin Laden for approximately five minutes, during which bin Laden thanked them for taking part in jihad (Holy War)." — FBI affidavit.
"John loves America. We love America. John did not do anything against America. John did not take up arms against America. He never meant to harm any American, and he never did harm any American. John is innocent of these charges." — Lindh's father, Frank Lindh.
"It's been two years since I last saw my son. It was wonderful to see him this morning. My love for him is unconditional and absolute. I am grateful to God that he has been brought home to his family, me, his home, and his country." — Lindh's mother, Marilyn Walker.
"I'm sure his parents are unbelievably crushed and, you know, worried and sick, everything that every parent feels when their children have a problem like he has." — First lady Laura Bush in an interview on NBC.
"The president has faith in our impartial system of justice. ... The president looks forward to justice being done in the court." — White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.
"Yes I do, thank you." — John Walker Lindh, when asked by a judge if he understood the charges against him. "Yes I do, sir," when asked if he understood the penalties. "No sir, I don't have any questions," when asked if he understood he would be kept in custody.