Iowa Senator Charles Grassley on the ATF Project Gunrunner Scandal

Published on March 10, 2011
Duration: 10:58

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley discusses the ATF's Operation Fast and Furious scandal, highlighting concerns about stonewalling by the Department of Justice and ATF. He advocates for an independent investigator due to potential pressure on the Inspector General and expresses dismay over tactics that allegedly armed cartels without proper oversight, leading to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The interview touches on the international implications and the lack of transparency from US authorities.

Quick Summary

Senator Chuck Grassley is calling for an independent investigator into the ATF's Operation Fast and Furious due to alleged stonewalling by the Department of Justice. He expressed concern that the Inspector General might face pressure from cabinet officials, making an external review necessary. The operation's tactics, which allegedly involved arming cartels, have drawn significant criticism and international attention.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Request for Independent Review
  2. 00:16Need for an Independent Investigator
  3. 00:33Stonewalling by the Department of Justice
  4. 01:07Assistant AG Ronald White's Request to Back Off
  5. 01:27Tactics Used in Multiple Operations Since 2008
  6. 02:09Mexican Authorities' Request for Information
  7. 02:52International Diplomacy Implications
  8. 03:30Justice Department Sign-off on Operations
  9. 03:57Secretary Napolitano's Response
  10. 04:16Conflicting Documents and Agent Testimony
  11. 04:31Reasons for Stonewalling: Embarrassment
  12. 05:14Questions for Secretary Napolitano
  13. 06:20Letter to Attorney General Eric Holder
  14. 06:45Reaction to the Risky Strategy
  15. 07:24Red Flags in ATF Operations
  16. 07:36Exposure After Border Patrol Agent's Death
  17. 07:52Ignoring Warnings of Potential Problems
  18. 07:59Special Agent John Dodson's Testimony
  19. 08:17Confusion and Concern Over 'Stand Down' Orders
  20. 08:24Agency in Disarray
  21. 08:31Dismissing Lack of Director as Excuse
  22. 09:02Agents' Concerns Ignored for Months
  23. 09:12Lack of White House Response
  24. 09:16How High Up Does This Go in DOJ?
  25. 09:25Media Coverage and Congressional Interest
  26. 10:01Judiciary Committee Awareness
  27. 10:15Government Policy Leading to Death
  28. 10:30International Image Concerns
  29. 10:41Conclusion and Future Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Senator Grassley request an independent investigator for the ATF's Operation Fast and Furious?

Senator Grassley requested an independent investigator because he felt the Department of Justice and ATF were stonewalling his committee's inquiries. He expressed concern that the Inspector General might be subject to pressure from cabinet officials, necessitating an external review.

What allegations were made regarding Assistant Attorney General Ronald White's involvement?

It is alleged that Assistant Attorney General Ronald White asked Senator Grassley's staff to stop interviewing ATF employees. Senator Grassley interpreted this as an attempt to impede his committee's constitutional responsibility of oversight.

Did the ATF's controversial tactics extend beyond Operation Fast and Furious?

Yes, CBS News reported that tactics similar to those used in Operation Fast and Furious may have been employed in more than one operation, with some potentially dating back as far as 2008. This occurred despite denials from the DOJ and ATF.

What role did Mexican authorities play in the ATF operations?

According to Senator Grassley, it is his understanding that these operations were conducted without the knowledge of Mexican counterparts in law enforcement. This lack of coordination has raised concerns about international diplomacy and the effectiveness of US-Mexico cooperation.

What was the reaction to the ATF's strategy of allowing guns to reach cartels?

Senator Grassley described the ATF's strategy of allowing cooperating gun dealers to get weapons into the hands of cartels without control or knowledge of their whereabouts as 'extremely risky.' He felt the agency wanted to appear tough on crime while simultaneously enabling dangerous situations.

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