ATF Chief Testifies Before Congress in Secret Over Controversial Gun Program
EmailABC's Jason Ryan (@JasonRyanABC) reports: The acting head of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms agency, facing scrutiny over a controversial gun program across the U.S. – Mexico border linked to the death of a Border Patrol agent last year, appeared secretly before Congressional investigators on July 4 with his own private attorney, rather than lawyers from the Justice Department.
According to sources close to the investigation, ATF Acting Direction Ken Melson had previously wanted to testify before the oversight committees but Justice Department officials sought to delay his testimony.
Melson’s testimony came weeks after three current ATF agents who were involved in the program known as “Fast and Furious” testified before Congress about the botched operation and how ATF failed to stop guns going into Mexico. The program allowed straw purchases of weapons that were then allowed to “walk” across the border into Mexico in an effort to locate major weapons traffickers.
But when Border Agent Brian Terry was murdered in December 2010 and two guns were found on the scene that were linked to the program, it came to a halt and was brought under Congressional investigation. According to reports by the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, other guns from the Fast and Furious program have now also been linked to additional crimes.
According to a letter sent to Attorney General Eric Holder by Rep Darrel Issa, R-CA and Senator Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who have been investigating the Fast and Furious program, Melson expressed dismay during testimony over how the operation was run and that “he was sick to his stomach” when he reviewed internal documents.” The letter also notes that Melson’s testimony corroborated information indicating that DEA and FBI may have had a role in the operation.
In the July 5,2011 letter (read more HERE) lawmakers who were once very critical of Melson and his tenure at ATF, have since changed their tune and are now urging the Attorney General to ensure Melson is being treated fairly – even suggesting that action against Melson by the Justice Deparmtment could have the effect of “intimidating others who might want to provide additional information to the committees.”
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I wonder if the “moderators” of today’s twitter town hall will let a question about this scandal through?
You would think this would be a huge story. It stinks to high-heaven yet on one in the press seems that interested.
Posted by: J.R. | July 6, 2011, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
“According to sources close to the investigation, ATF Acting Direction Ken Melson had previously wanted to testify before the oversight committees but Justice Department officials sought to delay his testimony.”
I can’t imagine why…
Posted by: Izmash | July 6, 2011, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
I wonder if the “moderators” of today’s twitter town hall will let a question about this scandal through?
You would think this would be a huge story. It stinks to high-heaven yet on one in the press seems that interested.
Posted by: J.R. | Jul 6, 2011 2:11:47 PM
A presser asked Obama about it at the news conference he took questions at. His response was much the same as Carney’s. “This is an ongoing investigation, and I have no comment.”
Lame.
Posted by: wheresmymoney | July 6, 2011, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
I posted this on today’s Q & A, but it bears repeating:
From Fox News: Mexican lawmakers say they’ll press for the extradition and prosecution in Mexico of American officials who authorized and ran “Operation Fast and Furious,” a botched ATF investigation intended to track guns sold in the U.S. to Mexican drug cartels.
“I obviously feel violated. I feel my country’s sovereignty was violated,” Mexico Sen. Rene Arce Islas told Fox News. “They should be tried in the United States, and the Mexican government should also demand that they also be tried in Mexico since the incidents took place here. There should be trials in both places.” Arce is chairman of Mexico’s Commission for National Security, a congressional panel similar to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Another Mexican senator said the operation “brought very high risk to human lives.” Sen. Santiago Creel, a former Interior Minister and a likely presidential nominee next year, said a resignation would not be a satisfactory end to the probe: What happens in Mexico, he said, “must be sanctioned by Mexican laws and under our sovereignty.”
Posted by: wheresmymoney | July 6, 2011, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
Don’t you just love the open and transparent gov’t promised in the Yes We Can Change – I am sure Holder doesn’t have time for this – he is too busy figuring out what US laws he will defend or not defend based on his political views.
Posted by: jamescbuilder | July 6, 2011, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Are any of us truly surprised about things like this? Probably not.
Posted by: CommonSenseParty | July 6, 2011, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
Obama and his evil crew (globalist looking to weaken the US so we can be controlled by them) were looking to create American gun incidents to use to try to take guns away from americans..but those damn border agents. How dare they let the cat out of the bag, that our government was purposely arming criminals in Mexico to get people killed.
Posted by: Footie Hill | July 6, 2011, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
Testimony is being given before Congressional investigators. Presumably those Congressional investigators include Republicans and Democrats.
Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?
Posted by: Francis | July 6, 2011, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
So this is what gun control is all about!
Posted by: Hippo | July 6, 2011, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
“Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?”
Yes, but they need to do so slowly and carefully. Nobody wants to shoot themselves in the foot and kill this inevstigative process. They can’t just start blazing away. They need to remain as accurate as possible, stay on target with this and keep the truth and justice in their sights.
Posted by: JHP | July 6, 2011, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
I for one am not at all surprised by this. Holder is one of the worst AG’s ever to be in that office, and is now obviosly in full CYA mode. I hope that Senate committee pursues this with every possible means until some heads roll at the top! Remember they have blood on their hands this time.
Posted by: Michael | July 6, 2011, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
So “Fast and Furious/Gun Runner” is what Obama was referring to when he said he was working on gun control in another way behind the scenes. His administration intended to cause an outrage with illegal guns crossing the border and then push through tough gun restrictions in the aftermath. This is Obama’s plan to undermine the 2nd amendment and take away gun rights!
Posted by: Detritus Screener | July 6, 2011, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Who’s telling the truth at the White House?
Recently Michelle Obama assured the American public that the President was focused and that he was on top of everything. That’s strange in that now “he knows nothing “about an ATF project that impacted the US and Mexico. Who is not telling the truth – Michelle or the President?
The not telling the truth syndrome seems to be contagious in this administration. AG Eric Holder “knows nothing” about that operation also. If that is true, he should be fired like any other executive that allows a reckless action to take place. I think allowing a gun running program that ends with a US Federal Agent being killed would qualify as a reckless action.
The sad part about this is, in addition to the death of the Agent, it appears that the focus of the operation was part of a scheme by this administration to bolster their position on gun control.
Holder must go. He is a sad figure in America’s landscape. He sold out the nation’s law enforcement community when he sought favoritism of President Clinton in coordinating the pardon of Marc Rich behind the backs of many DOJ career personnel. I believe he also played a role in facilitating the pardoning of members of the FALN, a terrorist group responsible for the deaths of US citizens. He seems to be very selective in his law enforcement responsibilities.
Posted by: Joe Brennan | July 6, 2011, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
I can’t remember the justice dept and ATF ever being at odds with each other like this.
It appears that Melson is afraid of being the fall guy and is turning on DOJ (Eric Holder). This could quickly eclipse a lot of other problems the administration is dealing with.
Posted by: Larry | July 6, 2011, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
No one.
Posted by: Traveler | July 6, 2011, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
(“… is telling the truth…”) Would that it does rise to prominence. Melson is talking about felonies committed at the direction of ATF, with virtual certainty that they were approved at much higher levels than that of an interim director.
Posted by: Traveler | July 6, 2011, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
the question is, will Holder take the fall for Saviour, since they both obviously knew full well what this program was?
Posted by: dan | July 6, 2011, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
This situation is calling out for an independent Special Prosecutor to pull back the curtain shielding whoever authorized this outrageous failed program, using taxpayer money. If is comes to Holder and Obama, so be it. Gerald Walpin would be a good pick to tear into the investigation.
Posted by: Amazingoly | July 6, 2011, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
Gotta love the way they are trying to take away the 2nd amendment. This reeks of corruption at the highest level. Nothing will happen and the crimes against humanity are murder of innocent people to further someones agenda.
All of those involved should be brought up on charged and I hope Mexico gets their day in court about all of these murders, just to try and change our 2nd amendment.
Posted by: GCTIII | July 6, 2011, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Testimony is being given before Congressional investigators. Presumably those Congressional investigators include Republicans and Democrats.
Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?
Posted by: Francis | Jul 6, 2011 2:35:24 PM
“Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?”
Yes, but they need to do so slowly and carefully. Nobody wants to shoot themselves in the foot and kill this inevstigative process. They can’t just start blazing away. They need to remain as accurate as possible, stay on target with this and keep the truth and justice in their sights.
Posted by: JHP | Jul 6, 2011 2:40:48 PM
I’m glad at least two posters are actually thinking on this one, rather than just blasting away in a knee-jerk partisan attack.
Posted by: Zing | July 6, 2011, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
Who authorized this program? And will Barry be able to stonewall this for 16 more months?
Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | July 6, 2011, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
So the totally clueless and incompetent Obama and his terrorist hand Holder Attorney General were complicit in a criminal risky scheme to supply guns to Mexican drug lords. This criminal act by this administration is going to continue to fester right up until election 2012.
It certainly appears that as always, the cover up is what brings them down.
Jail these two cretins before they do any more damage to this country.
…
and oh yeah,
Si se puede
Posted by: Kelvin | July 6, 2011, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
On the surface, the heads of the ATF and DEA don’t appear to have a kindship with Obama.
So far it’s only the ATF head who appears to be willing to splinter from the White House and give congress info (with his personal lawyer no less!), and I’m curious if Holder is meeting with the DEA head (Michele Leonhart) to keep her version of events under wraps.
I could see Holder going down with the ship over this.
The idea of Melson and his personal lawyer meeting with congress has to scare the bajeezus out of DOJ. If this were the mafia, Melson would be in witness protection.
Posted by: Larry | July 6, 2011, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
I have to at least hand it to ABC for posting this story. That’s a start.
Posted by: Charybdis | July 6, 2011, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Who authorized this program? And will Barry be able to stonewall this for 16 more months?
Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | Jul 6, 2011 3:05:20 PM
There is a Congressional investigation taking place in front of Republicans and Democrats. Who exactly is stonewalling then?
Your ill-informed prejudice presumes it is Obama. Big deal.
Posted by: Dave | July 6, 2011, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
Can you say Iran/Contra Mr. President?
Posted by: Ceeg52 | July 6, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
“…Mexican lawmakers say they’ll press for the extradition and prosecution in Mexico of American officials who authorized and ran “Operation Fast and Furious,” a botched ATF investigation intended to track guns sold in the U.S. to Mexican drug cartels….”
Will Obama and Holder waive extradition of themselves to be put on trial in Mexico? Or will they be tried in abstentia?
This is gonna be bad, really, really bad.
Posted by: Kelvin | July 6, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
This is a huge story and the media must be trembling. There is no way they can squash it – it is HUGE.
Thanks to Jake Tapper for the coverage.
Posted by: formerdem | July 6, 2011, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm
Selling guns to Mexican drug lords and terrorists under the excuse of planning to trace the guns back to the terrorists, while knowing such guns will be used in crimes against Americans, provides a perfect excuse to increase regulation of guns as a first step towards registration and confiscation of all firearms in America. The authorization of sales of American firearms to Mexican drug lord/terrorists by US government agencies was not a mistake; it was an act of treason.
Posted by: John C | July 6, 2011, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
Your ill-informed prejudice presumes it is Obama. Big deal.
Posted by: Relief | July 6, 2011, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
Impeach the bum…
Posted by: Jmac5280 | July 6, 2011, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
Wow, my post got deleted. Anyway, you can research Obama/Holder’s statements regarding the assault weapons ban in 2009 via Google. ABC News has a great article. This whole scandal is really serious: 1.) People have died, 2.) the President wanted an excuse to take away our Constitutional rights (2nd Amendment, 3.) Mexicans (and our border agents) were used as the targets, and 4.) now there is a cover-up. Opportunity, means, and motive.
Posted by: Paul Sammers | July 6, 2011, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
the entire federal government is starting to be unmasked as a scam.
there is no soultion to a better , less scammy way of running a scam.
the answer is to cut the fat and start with a do-over. just cut the federal budget by 70% across the board, fire 70% of federal employees and put the country on a track toward realistically restructuring the u.s. debt, cut the debt in half and pay the rest back in FULL IN 3 years. period. simple and quick. SELL u.s. gold, and sell stockpiled commodities.
then we get back to going to war. just like good ol’ times in 2001
Posted by: zeev | July 6, 2011, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
I guess the “manufactured” 2nd amendment crisis just went to waste…I thought you weren’t supposed to waste them?
Posted by: LongT | July 6, 2011, 3:53 pm 3:53 pm
Regarding the attempt to ban assault rifles – America needs more assault rifles on the street.
The more the merrier!
Posted by: Gap | July 6, 2011, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
Where is the press coverage on this slimmy matter. Our AG makes me very nervous about the direction our chief law enforcement guy is taking us:
1. Black Panthers in PHL
2. Investigating CAI
3. KSM trial in NYC
4. Immigration
5. Intereference in states rights-TX, AZ, VA
Our freedoms are not protected and in fact are systematically taken away.
Posted by: ss12 | July 6, 2011, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
This is why we can’t have any spending cuts. If we don’t support vital agencies like the ATF, there’s no telling what could go wrong.
Posted by: Safer | July 6, 2011, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Before you thank ABC and Jake Tapper best you go find out what’s been out there for days and what wasn’t reported in this story. For ex: AZ AG is Obama appointed and the ATF director revealed and supported with documentation that they this operation was turned over to him by DOJ. And, the DOJ did not make it clear to those that want to testify that they do not need to have DOJ lawyers represent or even present to testify. The ATF director found that out, got his lawyer and came in on his own. All of this is included and more in Issa/Grassly letter but reported in this article or by any MSM.
Go to DailyCaller and follow reporter Matthew Boyle and check out Judicial Watch (they are getting the FOIA’s to force this info) if you want the whole truth.
Posted by: SunnyJ | July 6, 2011, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm
This is a huge story and the media must be trembling. There is no way they can squash it – it is HUGE.
Thanks to Jake Tapper for the coverage.
Posted by: formerdem | Jul 6, 2011 3:34:24 PM
——————————————
The media can and WILL squash this story.. just as they have any and all stories that put Obama/Holder in a bad light
Medal of Honor scandal
Black panther party scandal
Did you hear any of this on world news tonight, nbc nightly news, or cbs evening news?
OBAMA_______VS______AMERICA
Posted by: Yep Isaid that | July 6, 2011, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm
Tapper is as biased as any msnbc pundit
Posted by: The ABC'ers | July 6, 2011, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm
IMPEACH!
Posted by: Justice | July 6, 2011, 5:07 pm 5:07 pm
There is nothing vital about the ATF. An agency that invents it’s own statistics, despite the facts,and endangers the public safety (A friend of mine was murdered by ATF agents who went to the wrong address and shot him in front of his 7 year old son). These thugs need to be shut down.
Posted by: grumpyoldb | July 6, 2011, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
When will we extradite AG Eric Holder to stand trial in Mexico for causing all these guns to end up in the hands of Mexican gangs??
Posted by: Justice | July 6, 2011, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
Holder is up to his eyeballs in this. Does ANYONE really believe that an ‘Acting’ ATF chief would allow this to go forward without the AG approval, at a minimum. And if Holder approved, does anyone think he has the cajones to do something this far out w/o POTUS approval?
Posted by: JohnS | July 6, 2011, 5:16 pm 5:16 pm
Justice would be Eric Holder, who SO wanted to bring al qaeda terrorists to NYC for a show trial, gets thrown under the bus by The Obama for a show trial by Mexico’s attorney general. Main question is, since Acting director Melson is spilling his guts, how soon will we find out The Obama was involved in this from day one?
Posted by: normbal | July 6, 2011, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Go to DailyCaller and follow reporter Matthew Boyle and check out Judicial Watch (they are getting the FOIA’s to force this info) if you want the whole truth.
Posted by: SunnyJ | Jul 6, 2011 4:59:39 PM
Absolutely agree, SunnyJ. I just read the article there myself and there is a lot more information than there is here. Of course, why would we expect the MSM to come out full force with this? How sad we’ve gotten to this point. Luckily, we still have people out there willing to do the tough stuff and give us the truth.
Posted by: Shoe | July 6, 2011, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
My first question would be:
How many of the “straw purchasers” of guns during Operation Fast and Furious were actually government agents themselves, and how many guns did those agents purchase and pass along into Mexico?
Posted by: Jim from Boston | July 6, 2011, 6:09 pm 6:09 pm
Wasn’t a border agent killed with one of these weapons?
Didn’t a Mexican official’s son get murdered using one of these weapons?
Looks like a lot of crime was perpetrated through this ATF scam.
Posted by: Montgomery | July 6, 2011, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
Holder needs to be charged and an independant investigator assigned – immediately.
Posted by: TheProphetMohammy Mooslum | July 6, 2011, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
Come on!
Why would ANYONE be suprised what this regime does?
You democrats are asking for a big whooping in November.
I would not elect a democrat to clean my toilet.
Posted by: Massimo Deportado | July 6, 2011, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
US and Mexico just inked trade deal to lower tariffs and let Mexican Truck Drivers on American roads.
Perhaps the good citizens should know about this instead of endless speculation on Casey Anthony.
Will there be inspections just in case this gun running program somehow survives?
Posted by: Teddy | July 6, 2011, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
Lest we forget AG Holder also refused to prosecute New Mexico’s Governor Richardson for pay to play. The POTUS is the most anal control freak the nation has experienced. Anyone who believes BO had no knowledge of the “Fast and Furious” operation probably believes in the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, Elvis is alive, and the budget can be balanced with more taxes on the rich.
Posted by: Torch1952 | July 6, 2011, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
This article omits the most critical point, as is often the case in the lsm, by completely neglecting to point out that the supposed “tracking” of guns into Mexico ENDED at the Mexican border. This whole op was not about tracking guns. It was about convincing the public that more gun regulations were needed. THAT is why the acting director was sick to his stomach. Get it right!
Posted by: kir | July 6, 2011, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
Be thankful that the GOP controls the House of Reps or this whole mess would have been swept under the rug
That hum you hear coming out of DC are the paper shredders at DOJ working overtime
Posted by: Gary | July 6, 2011, 6:49 pm 6:49 pm
Mexico is livid, justly so! Obama just called on the Supreme Court to stop an execution of a convicted murderer from Mexico from being carried out in Texas. Now how will he square that little side-show if it is proved that Eric Holder signed off on this and Mexico demands he be extradited for prosection. We have a treaty with Mexico, how is he going to dance around that?
Posted by: AZsmitty, Arizona | July 6, 2011, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
Couldn’t be Obama. He is not a leader, just a commie organizer, I mean a community organizer.
Posted by: furious | July 6, 2011, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Testimony is being given before Congressional investigators. Presumably those Congressional investigators include Republicans and Democrats.
Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?
Posted by: Francis | Jul 6, 2011 2:35:24 PM
“Shouldn’t they be following Congressional rules in this investigation?”
Yes, but they need to do so slowly and carefully. Nobody wants to shoot themselves in the foot and kill this inevstigative process. They can’t just start blazing away. They need to remain as accurate as possible, stay on target with this and keep the truth and justice in their sights.
Posted by: JHP | Jul 6, 2011 2:40:48 PM
It’s good to see people thinking straight, on this issue. The other posters seem like they were sent here from some extremist site to blather some party line – not interested in justice, just in showing off their gums.
Posted by: Gillian | July 6, 2011, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
More of the same from the Chicago Thugs. This time they may have been found out. The one world proggies want those people disarmed. Backfired on em.
Posted by: cassisanass | July 6, 2011, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
What I want to know is who came up with this lame idea. I do not care if it was the President or they guys that mops the floor. Whomever it was should be drawn and quartered and next in line should be the dumb ass who thought it was a good idea.
Posted by: mewp12 | July 6, 2011, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
Do it like a drug prosecution. Start somewhere and work upwards with the threat of being sent to Mexico for trial. This colusion goes to the top and was the big plan skirt the Cinstitution and implement new gun controls, with the clamor of useful idiots demanding the same.
Posted by: Rick O'Shea | July 6, 2011, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
“Mexico is livid, justly so! Obama just called on the Supreme Court to stop an execution of a convicted murderer from Mexico from being carried out in Texas.” – AZsmitty, Arizona
As usual NoBo is on the wrong side of a states issue again.
Barry should be calling his buddy, Calderon, to get his waiver of the “not approved by congress” treaty so that Texas can go ahead and execute the illegal invader mexican scum without any hassle.
(sigh)
There’s something seriously wrong with President Obama.
Posted by: Noz | July 6, 2011, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
Clearly this was treason….meant to harm the US, meant to create incidents to manipulate us into giving up our right to protect ourselves, and clearly with no regard to all the people that would be murdered. Obama deserves much worse than Impeachment.
Posted by: Footie Hill | July 6, 2011, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
Wonder if this will make more than just a blog form Lame Stream …. Doubt it! What happened to the day when Media reported things that equate to “Watergate” 24/7?? Speaks volumes as to where Lame Streams loyalties lie and it is not with the truth!
Posted by: Cindy | July 6, 2011, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
Just like Waco, It boils down to money. Funding for the ATF. If they can prove a massive flow of firearms into Mexico they can ask Congress for more funding. What the heck, it worked at Waco.
They don’t care how many lies they have to tell or how many people they kill or get killed. Their concerns are to propagate a bureauocracy run amok and promote an anti-gun agenda.
It’s past time to shut down the ATF before they get more people killed.
Posted by: Royce | July 6, 2011, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
What happened to the day when Media reported things that equate to “Watergate” 24/7??
Posted by: Cindy | Jul 6, 2011 9:51:49 PM
Watergate was pretty special. It was a Republican President and his administration doing criminal break-ins at the offices of their political opponents, funding it . .. and then lying to cover it up.
The office of the President! Strangely, it was a Republican president.
And oddly enough, the next biggest series of criminal convictions in an administration was Republican Reagan’s Iran/Contra travesty.
How many were convicted of criminal activity under that? The Republicans running an illegal shadow government to carry out illegal international activities.
The Republicans are so cool.
Posted by: Pook | July 7, 2011, 12:58 am 12:58 am
Gungs for Gangs
Worse than Watergate
Posted by: Karen | July 7, 2011, 6:54 am 6:54 am
The Examiner is reporting that the ATF Tampa, FL field office was pulling the same gun-running operation -only running their guns to Honduras. I don’t care who’s side you’re on politically, this doesn’t look good.
Posted by: Larry | July 7, 2011, 8:27 am 8:27 am
“The Republicans are so cool.” – Pook
The Demos are way cooler!
Fun with Guns!
When does the movie come out?
Posted by: Noz | July 7, 2011, 10:02 am 10:02 am
“The Republicans are so cool.”
They brought down the Soviet empire without firing a shot. That’s why statues of Ronald Reagan are being unveiled from London to Prague to Warsaw.
Way cool.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | July 7, 2011, 10:59 am 10:59 am
“We know now it was not something limited to just a small group of ATF agents in Arizona.”
That’s putting it mildly. So far we know that F and F was run as a coordinated operation at the highest levels of both the Arizona and Texas offices of the ATF, and now, though still not being reported in the mainstream media (as none of this was for several months), we now know that there was an identical operation, called Castaway, being run by the Special Agent in Charge of the Florida office, running guns to Honduras as well, and that she (the SAC in Florida) was previously the SAC in Phoenix, who went to Florida to run this after a short term in DC as deputy director, meaning that this is a national series of operations being coordinated at the highest levels of the agency, if not the whole department of justice, or even the White House. It also means that we’re still largely being kept in the dark by the media who are not reporting the whole truth on this affair, presumably to protect those at the higher levels who at this point must obviously have been involved all along.
Posted by: Rob | July 7, 2011, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
This story should be headlines! Eric Holder and Nancy should be fired immediately. Now the DOJ is trying to cover it up….come on news media, you really can’t keep covering up for these mobsters any more. Show some backbone and honor in journalism.
Posted by: Freedom | July 7, 2011, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
If Obama had any guts he would fire Holder over this-ATF is an accessory to the murder of a Federal Agent.That may be hyperbole,but this program stinks to high heaven. If Obama had any knowledge of this program he is in big trouble-legally;not so much politically.
Posted by: Nephron | July 7, 2011, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
The Titanic has just sailed with Obama’s re-election on board.
Keep digging Issa et al.
Posted by: Teddy | July 8, 2011, 1:35 am 1:35 am
This would seem to many of us as the most ridiculous idea imaginable, for tracking guns. It surely was meant to create mayhem and then be used as an excuse to limit 2nd amendment rights. Not enough people were being shot or killed using assault style rifles, so the administration figured they would make it easy to purchase these weapons and then cry wolf. Nice going.
Posted by: Mark | July 8, 2011, 9:45 am 9:45 am
1st. where are the dates when the guns sales were sold to Mexico
2nd. the weapon were suppose to be sold to the Mexion president for his military. someone in his military is selling or not reportin that weapons are missing
3. A full investigation must be completed before any one steps on any one toes or accuse of any one.
4. why in the world are we selling guys to any country if we are?
Posted by: birddd | July 8, 2011, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
It is very curious why this isn’t headline news on ABC’s page. I don’t care if you’re a democrat or republican, this is a serious news story that shouldn’t be buried way down on the politics page.
C’mon, ABC, show some guts.
Posted by: mfs | July 8, 2011, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
Funny how all these right wing extremists, who are always screeching with paranoia against gun control, are now attacking Obama for not controlling guns.
Posted by: doubting thomas | July 28, 2011, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
What? Not another corupt gov organization!
Should we be surprised? I don’t think so. This is so typical I can easily see why it wouldn’t get much attention in the also curupt news media.
IMHO anyone that has any faith in the American Government or the American people are nothing but fools and deserve anything that happens to them or the country.
Posted by: Richard | August 21, 2011, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm