DOJ Deflects Gunrunner, Fast and Furious Blame to Local Officials

Published on May 12, 2011
Duration: 11:40

This video discusses the 'Fast and Furious' operation, where the Department of Justice (DOJ) and ATF allegedly allowed firearms to be trafficked to Mexican cartels. It highlights new documents suggesting local officials were aware and involved, with a wiretap application signed by Assistant Attorney General Lanny Brewer's office. The DOJ's defense is that signing wiretap applications is routine procedure, shifting blame to local officials, a stance criticized as a deflection of responsibility from higher-ups.

Quick Summary

The Department of Justice is accused of deflecting blame for the 'Fast and Furious' gunrunning scandal onto local officials. Despite national-level signatures on wiretap applications, the DOJ claims it was 'regular procedure,' suggesting a lack of full awareness of the operation's controversial gunwalking tactics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Fast and Furious Saga
  2. 00:25New Documents and Local Policy
  3. 01:04Wiretap Application and DOJ Signatures
  4. 01:41DOJ Spokesperson's Defense
  5. 02:39Shifting Blame to Arizona Officials
  6. 02:54Similar Operations in Texas
  7. 03:30Project Gun Runner Umbrella
  8. 03:40Oversight Investigations by Issa and Grassley
  9. 04:33Accountability for Wiretap Approvals
  10. 05:13Routine Wiretap Process
  11. 05:47Obama Administration's 'Hope' vs. Reality
  12. 06:24Political Appointees Involved
  13. 06:32Dennis Burke's Role
  14. 07:20Acting ATF Director Ken Melson
  15. 07:45Meeting Between Brewer and Ambassador Pasqual
  16. 08:06Eric Holder Indictments and Brian Terry
  17. 08:42Border Security Claims vs. Reality
  18. 09:24Presidential Rhetoric on Immigration
  19. 10:34Political Rhetoric and Amnesty
  20. 11:20Conclusion and Future Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main accusation against the Department of Justice in the Fast and Furious scandal?

The primary accusation is that the DOJ, through its ATF agents, allowed firearms to be trafficked to Mexican cartels under the guise of an investigation known as 'Fast and Furious,' leading to significant violence and the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

How does the DOJ defend its role in the Fast and Furious operation?

The DOJ's defense centers on the argument that signing wiretap applications is a routine procedural step, implying that national officials did not have full knowledge of the operation's controversial methods and are attempting to shift blame to local officials in Arizona.

What evidence suggests national-level involvement in Fast and Furious?

Evidence includes wiretap applications signed by officials within Assistant Attorney General Lanny Brewer's office, indicating that national-level DOJ personnel were aware of and approved surveillance activities related to the operation.

What is 'Project Gun Runner' in relation to Fast and Furious?

'Project Gun Runner' is mentioned as a potential umbrella under which operations like 'Fast and Furious' may have occurred. This suggests that the gunwalking tactics might not have been isolated to a single operation but could have been part of a broader initiative.

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