Related Federal Cases
- Predator Washington Gets Life for Cross-State Sex Trafficking · Washington
- James Blocks Trump’s Homeless Funding Cuts · Washington
- Trump Blocks $Billions in EV Funding: NY AG Sues · Pennsylvania
- James Shuts Down Trump’s Agency Demolition · Washington
- James Battles Feds Over SNAP Benefits · Washington
Fast and Furious Fallout: Holder Announces Reforms, Firings
Washington D.C. – Attorney General Eric Holder has announced reforms and firings in the wake of the Office of the Inspector General’s report on Operation Fast and Furious, a botched sting operation that allowed thousands of guns to fall into the hands of Mexican cartels.
According to the report, the inappropriate strategy and tactics employed in Operation Fast and Furious date back to 2006 and were field-driven. Holder maintained that the leadership of the Justice Department did not know about or authorize the use of the flawed strategy and tactics, and that the Department’s leadership did not attempt to cover up information or mislead Congress about it.
Holder also announced that he has referred those individuals within the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona who were responsible for designing, implementing or supervising Operation Fast and Furious to the appropriate entities for review and consideration of potential personnel actions.
Additionally, Holder accepted the resignation of Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jason Weinstein, a longtime career prosecutor who led efforts to combat violent crime. Kenneth Melson, the former Acting Director at ATF, has retired from the Department, effective immediately.
The botched sting operation, which began in 2006, allowed thousands of guns to fall into the hands of Mexican cartels, resulting in the deaths of at least two U.S. agents, including Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The operation was designed to track the sale of guns from the United States to Mexico, but it ultimately allowed the guns to be sold to cartels without any meaningful attempt to track them.
Holder has been under fire for his handling of the operation, with many lawmakers calling for his resignation. However, Holder maintained that he had taken swift action to address the flaws in the operation and that he had referred the matter to the Office of the Inspector General shortly after public concerns were raised in 2011.
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California have been working with Mexican authorities to bring those responsible for Agent Terry’s death to justice. The case remains ongoing, and Holder has assured the American people that the Justice Department will continue to focus on its mission of protecting their rights and security.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
