On the Way to Fast and Furious Accountability: Round One

Published on August 2, 2012
Duration: 14:32

This video discusses the findings of a report on Operation Fast and Furious, highlighting the alleged involvement and communication between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It points to a demand from the DOJ for the ATF to act differently as the catalyst for the operation and suggests a long history of questionable behavior by ATF players overseen by the DOJ. The discussion emphasizes the blame-shifting between agencies and the potential for the operation to have been used to push for gun control measures, specifically a long gun reporting measure.

Quick Summary

Operation Fast and Furious was a controversial ATF investigation that allowed firearms to be sold to straw purchasers, leading to many weapons being lost and used in crimes, including the murder of Agent Brian Terry. Reports indicate the DOJ demanded a new approach from the ATF, and evidence suggests the operation may have been used to push for gun control measures like long gun reporting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Fast and Furious Report
  2. 00:14ATF and DOJ Player Accountability
  3. 00:53Blame Shifting Tactics
  4. 01:05Flawed Legal Advice and Gunwalking
  5. 02:08Supervisors and Future Reports
  6. 02:47Dennis Burke's Role
  7. 03:25Email to Monty Wilkinson
  8. 04:07Attorney General's Involvement
  9. 04:58Dennis Burke's Connections
  10. 05:39DOJ and ATF Communication
  11. 06:30AG's Awareness of Fast and Furious
  12. 06:53Missing Emails
  13. 07:06Program Briefed at Top Levels
  14. 07:34Bill Newell and Gun Control Push
  15. 08:02Long Gun Reporting Measure Emails
  16. 08:14Memo to Eric Holder
  17. 08:42David Voth's Investigation
  18. 08:55David Voth's Email After Terry's Death
  19. 09:19Gun Control Argument Validation
  20. 09:56Program Design and Gun Control
  21. 10:23Vindication for Gun Dealers
  22. 10:38Connections to Top Officials
  23. 10:52New Information and Documents
  24. 11:27Justice Department's Response
  25. 11:56Second Report Release Timeline
  26. 12:30Third Report and Lawsuit
  27. 12:48DOJ Inspector General's Report
  28. 13:08Cynthia Schneder's Role
  29. 13:30Inspector General Switch
  30. 13:47Comparing Reports and Evidence
  31. 14:06Pushing Gun Control Measures
  32. 14:17Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Fast and Furious?

Operation Fast and Furious was a controversial investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that allowed firearms to be sold to straw purchasers, with the intent of tracking them to Mexican drug cartels. The operation faced significant criticism due to the large number of weapons that were lost and subsequently used in crimes, including the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Who was responsible for Operation Fast and Furious?

Reports suggest a complex web of responsibility, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) allegedly demanding a new approach from the ATF, which led to the operation. Key figures like former US Attorney Dennis Burke and ATF officials were involved, and the extent of Attorney General Eric Holder's knowledge and approval remains a subject of scrutiny.

What were the main criticisms of Operation Fast and Furious?

The primary criticisms include the dangerous tactic of allowing firearms to 'walk' across the border, the lack of accountability for those involved, and the suspicion that the operation was used to advance a gun control agenda, specifically pushing for long gun reporting measures. The death of Agent Brian Terry highlighted the tragic consequences of the operation.

What is the significance of the emails discussed in relation to Fast and Furious?

The emails provide crucial evidence of communication and intent. For instance, an email from Dennis Burke to a DOJ staffer indicated interest in the AG announcing indictments, and later emails from ATF officials explicitly pushed for new long gun reporting measures, suggesting a motive beyond just tracking weapons.

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