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Letter to President Obama: Independent investigation needed in Fast and Furious
Washington, D.C. ,
October 6, 2011
Dear President Obama,
Gun trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. However, I am greatly concerned about the details that are surfacing about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Operation Fast and Furious that was a failed attempt to track this growing problem. Along with many of my constituents, I am disturbed by the reports of how BATFE officials were complicit in the trafficking of large quantities of firearms to gunrunners and other criminals. Tragically, several of these weapons were found at the scene after U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed during a shootout near the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2010. I object to the decision-making that resulted in an operation allowing weapons from illegal sales in the United States to flow into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. I am especially concerned to hear that Attorney General Eric Holder was briefed on Operation Fast And Furious in a July 2010 memo, and I join with my colleagues in calling for you to instruct the Department of Justice to appoint a special counsel. As a matter of transparency, an independent investigation is necessary to reveal the full story behind Operation Fast and Furious. The Terry family and the American people deserve to know the truth about this operation. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely, Robert E. Latta Member of Congress |