Attorney General Holder and the 90 Percent Myth

Published on October 19, 2011
Duration: 7:33

This video discusses the debunked '90% myth' regarding firearms traced in Mexico, highlighting that the actual number is closer to 12% and that traced firearms average 15 years old. It criticizes the ATF's imposition of multiple sales reporting requirements on border dealers and questions the DOJ's cessation of funding for the 'Don't Lie for the Other Guy' program, which combats straw purchases.

Quick Summary

The '90% myth,' claiming 90% of guns in Mexico are US-traced, has been debunked; actual figures are closer to 12%, with traced firearms averaging 15 years old. The ATF's multiple sales reporting for border dealers is criticized as an onerous burden, and the DOJ's withdrawal of funding for the 'Don't Lie for the Other Guy' program, which combats straw purchases, is questioned.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and NSSF Blog Posts
  2. 00:16The 90% Myth Debunked
  3. 00:45Attorney General Holder and Fast and Furious
  4. 01:00Holder's Letter and Gun Control
  5. 01:26Actual Trace Numbers and Gun Age
  6. 02:25Firearms Retailer Data
  7. 03:03ATF Multiple Sales Reporting
  8. 03:38End-Run Around Congress
  9. 03:56Rhetoric vs. Reality: Iron River of Guns
  10. 04:25Operation Fast and Furious Context
  11. 04:32Trace Numbers and ATF Lawsuit
  12. 05:26DOJ Funding for 'Don't Lie for the Other Guy'
  13. 05:56Straw Purchases and Program Funding
  14. 06:31ATF Facilitating Straw Purchases
  15. 06:55Prevention vs. Cure: Don't Lie vs. Fast and Furious
  16. 07:06Conclusion and Sports Banter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the '90% myth' regarding firearms in Mexico?

The '90% myth' was a claim made by the Obama Administration stating that 90% of guns recovered in Mexico could be traced back to the United States. This figure has been widely debunked, with actual tracing data suggesting the number is significantly lower, around 12%.

What is the average age of firearms traced from Mexico?

Recent data indicates that the average age of firearms successfully traced from Mexico back to the United States is approximately 15 years. This suggests that the guns are not recently acquired and are older than previously stated by the ATF.

Why is the ATF's multiple sales reporting requirement controversial?

The ATF's requirement for all border dealers to report multiple gun sales is controversial because data suggests only a very small percentage of dealers are involved in cases with multiple traced requests. Critics argue this is an onerous burden and may exceed the ATF's statutory authority.

What is the 'Don't Lie for the Other Guy' program?

The 'Don't Lie for the Other Guy' program is an initiative, formerly supported by the DOJ, that works with firearms retailers to educate the public and prevent straw purchases. It aims to combat illegal gun acquisition by individuals who buy firearms on behalf of others.

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