Rep. Trey Gowdy on Attorney General Holder's Fast and Furious Testimony

Published on February 3, 2012
Duration: 15:22

This video features Congressman Trey Gowdy discussing the 'Fast and Furious' operation and Attorney General Eric Holder's testimony. Gowdy expresses frustration over the lack of accountability within the Department of Justice, highlighting evidence suggesting Washington D.C. officials knew about gun walking. He criticizes the administration's resistance to providing documents and witnesses, contrasting it with the cooperation given to the Inspector General. The discussion touches on legal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and the implications of invoking the Fifth Amendment.

Quick Summary

Congressman Trey Gowdy criticizes Attorney General Eric Holder's handling of the Fast and Furious investigation, asserting that the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. knew about the gun walking tactics. Gowdy highlights the lack of accountability, the withholding of documents, and the refusal to provide key witnesses, suggesting that existing gun laws are sufficient and that the administration is attempting to politicize the inquiry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Hopes for Testimony
  2. 00:18Accountability and Responsibility
  3. 00:47Proving DOJ Knowledge of Gun Walking
  4. 01:06Holder's Statements vs. Reality
  5. 01:30Leadership and Responsibility
  6. 01:52Gun Laws vs. Investigation Failures
  7. 02:15Assault Weapons Ban Irrelevance
  8. 02:30Lanny Breuer and Mexican Officials
  9. 02:46DOJ Attache vs. Criminal Chief
  10. 03:20Gun Law Statutes (924c)
  11. 03:45Sufficiency of Existing Laws
  12. 04:01Gun Dealers' Concerns
  13. 04:16Unknown Investigations
  14. 04:28OSCIDAFF and Approval Processes
  15. 04:58Patrick Meehan's Role
  16. 05:08Blaming Arizona Office
  17. 05:20Email Evidence of Knowledge
  18. 05:38Document Withholding
  19. 05:55Stonewall City Graphic
  20. 06:26Fifth Amendment Invocation
  21. 06:36Granting Immunity to Pat Cunningham
  22. 07:10Cunningham's Testimony Importance
  23. 07:33Deals and Testimony
  24. 07:49Limited Use Immunity
  25. 08:05Lanny Brewer Testimony Request
  26. 08:12Holder's Testimony Analysis
  27. 08:32Political Season and Election Impact
  28. 08:56Administration's Tactics
  29. 09:30Desire for Investigation to End
  30. 09:39Personal Stance on DOJ
  31. 09:48Colleagues' Behavior
  32. 10:10Democratic Report Conclusions
  33. 10:32Minority Report
  34. 10:51Evidence Against DOJ Washington
  35. 11:20Wiretap Applications and Court Orders
  36. 11:36Wiretap Application Revelation
  37. 11:46Next Steps: Hearings or Contempt
  38. 11:55Contempt of Congress and Special Prosecutor
  39. 12:06Witnesses and Compliance Deadlines
  40. 12:21Political Accusations
  41. 12:31Lack of Confidence in DOJ
  42. 12:46Department of Justice's Role
  43. 13:02Loss of Confidence in Leadership
  44. 13:13Public Inquiry and Timeline
  45. 13:22Subpoena Compliance and Contempt
  46. 13:29Former Prosecutor's Perspective
  47. 13:38Fifth Amendment Experience
  48. 13:41DOJ Prosecutor Experience
  49. 13:44Clinton Administration Hire
  50. 13:50Facts Over Politics
  51. 13:56Friends in Law Enforcement
  52. 14:03ATF Friend's Email
  53. 14:06Search for Truth
  54. 14:12Document and Witness Availability
  55. 14:24Holder's 'Cover-up' Remark
  56. 14:32The Nature of Cover-ups
  57. 14:36Lack of Accountability
  58. 14:54Brian Terry's Death Aftermath
  59. 15:02Concluding Remarks with Congressman Gowdy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Fast and Furious?

Operation Fast and Furious was a controversial investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that allowed firearms to be sold to straw purchasers in an effort to track them to Mexican drug cartels. The operation resulted in thousands of weapons being lost, with many appearing at crime scenes in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Why is Congressman Trey Gowdy critical of Attorney General Eric Holder regarding Fast and Furious?

Congressman Gowdy criticizes Attorney General Holder for a perceived lack of accountability and responsibility for the botched Fast and Furious operation. Gowdy asserts that evidence shows the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. was aware of the gun walking tactics employed during the investigation.

What legal statutes are relevant to gun trafficking investigations like Fast and Furious?

Relevant legal statutes include 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which addresses the use of firearms in relation to federal crimes, particularly drug trafficking. This statute can carry severe penalties, including up to life in prison for offenses involving fully automatic weapons used in drug crimes.

What is the significance of the Fifth Amendment in the Fast and Furious investigation?

The Fifth Amendment, protecting against self-incrimination, was invoked by individuals like former federal prosecutor Pat Cunningham during depositions related to Fast and Furious. Congressman Gowdy suggests that limited use immunity could be granted to compel testimony from such individuals.

What actions does Congressman Gowdy suggest might be taken if the DOJ continues to withhold information?

If the Department of Justice fails to comply with subpoenas, Congressman Gowdy indicates that actions such as contempt of Congress proceedings or the appointment of a special prosecutor could be pursued to compel cooperation and uncover the truth.

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