ATF Promotes 3 Managers Who Oversaw ‘Operation Fast and Furious’
- Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:13pm by
Buck Sexton
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Three ATF officials who held direct supervisory roles involved in the controversial “Operation Fast and Furious” gun trafficking program have been promoted and moved to ATF headquarters in Washington DC, according to the LA Times.
Two of the three ATF agents in question have admitted to mistakes they made in their managerial roles in the botched border gun trafficking operation that let approximately 2,000 weapons be sold to straw buyers. Those weapons were then allegedly allowed to cross the border despite initial law enforcement surveillance, and many of them ended up in the hands of ultra-violent Mexican drug cartels.
The LA Times reports that the three ATF agents in question are:
“William G. McMahon, who was the ATF’s deputy director of operations in the West, where the illegal trafficking program was focused, and William D. Newell and David Voth, both field supervisors who oversaw the program out of the agency’s Phoenix office. McMahon and Newell have acknowledged making serious mistakes in the program, which was dubbed Operation Fast and Furious.”
William McMahon, ATF Deputy Assistant Director for Field Operations
Despite reports that ATF supervisors may have violated policy and allowed guns to “walk — meaning law enforcement lost or dropped surveillance on them- no major cartel figures have been prosecuted as a result of the case.
The most well-known outcome of the “Fast and Furious” operation was the tragic murder of Border Agent Brian Terry. A weapon tied to the operation fast and furious program was found at the scene of the crime.
The Obama White House has denied any knowledge of the gunrunning operation until it had become a scandal in the media. Attorney General Eric Holder has also denied prior knowledge of the operation before it broke in the press.
ATF Agent Bill Newell
It is not clear if the White House played any role in the promotions of the three “Fast and Furious” ATF managers. But given the timing of the promotions, it appears possible that the transfers to D.C. could be intended to to draw media attention away from the case and move the public discussion past “Fast and Furious” without holding any senior members of government accountable.
But some Congressmen are not letting it go away that easily. Rep. Darrell Issa of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has demanded answers from the White House regarding the botched operation for months, and last week Senator John Cornyn sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder questioning the judgment behind the “Fast and Furious” gun trafficking operation and demanding a full brief on any past or present gunwalker programs in his home state of Texas.
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Comments (207)
Longslide7
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:40pmIf these guys are that senior they might be close to retirement.
Report Post »Being promoted means a bigger check.
As a citizen rather then an Agent they have a lot easier time taking the 5th
Micmac
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:39pmThe wagons are surrounding the youngins’ to “protect them, instead of doing what is right for this country. We HAVE to out all these government employees who protect each other over their country. I just can’t believe that all our elected officials let this slide, including the new Tea Party congressman. What a wonderful opportunity for one of them to stand out with their own investigation/ project. Washington has separated itself from the rest of America.
Report Post »Mrtoohappy
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:14pmthey did it to keep their mouths shut.
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:23pmWith this bit of news, I now know the end of the USA is unavoidable…and even welcome it. If “we” have to down in flames as well, then it is a small sacrifice in order to wipe the slate clean on these corrupt leaders & protectors.
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:35pm~~^^~~^^~~
Gee who doesnt see the writing on this wall?! Heres what it says: Keep your mouth shut and you will be promoted with nice raise and more power. If necessary you may have to take some heat in the future but dont worry we’ll protect you
I mean is this a perfect example of how corrupt DC is or what?!! Play a role in an attempt in faking statistics in order to undermine the 2nd Amend to reign in guns in America and get promoted. Do these 3 men have no shame? Where the heck is Darrell Issa on this? This thing hit the fan and not its out of air and the corrupt once again get away!
Why dont you guys go over to the Terry family’s home and take one on their front porch while you are at it. No conscience by these men for what they played a hand in or by those who promoted them. Nope its all about me, and that will be their and this nations undoing.
By the way WHO promoted them? Who directed/ ordered the promotion? Follow the paper trail folks it will all lead back to the OVAL OFFICE! http://SavingtheRepublic.com
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:36pmWhere is Wikileaks when we really need them?
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:59pmBirds of a feather, speaks for the whole administration. Rotten to the bone.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:04pmI am a former gov employee, and there is a long standing rule there, which is ,”Screw up, move up.”
Report Post »I’ve seen it happen a million times. What we need to do as Patriot’s is to get this dam story back into the light and not let go until those responsible are held accountable!! Call your representatives!!
smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:10pmAnd the rest of the country via tax payers need to seperate thier tax dollars from Washington. More to the point a class action lawsuit needs to be levied against the ATF for the deaths and destruction caused by their gun running scam. Where are our representative I’m not hearing a whole lot from Congress,the DOJ,or the White House. It is especially eirie that the usual leftist anti-gun knuts are soooo silent on this one. Could it be that the leftist gun knuts have gotten their weekly news letter with instruction to tone down the rhetoric on this one…..HMMMMM
Report Post »Melvin Spittle
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:18pmWhat good are the ATF when their mission has been totally corrupted by toxic leadership? One of the strongest signs of executive toxic leadership is when they promote those that have critical lapses in judgement. The ATF and DOJ are infested with the cancer of corruption and now brings into question the basis of their very authority to enforce law as they have now lost the support of the people that gave them that power. It is because of this abuse of power that they are now illegitimate and at the very least must purge their ranks of those involved in order to restore the people’s confidence and their legitimacy as a law enforcement agency. If this does not happen, then the cancer will spread.
I doubt that there will ever be any justice here. The only action being taken by our leaders are sternly worded demands for information with absolutely no likelihood of enforcement.
Politicians will ensure there is never an accurate accounting. They will be manipulated by the powers that be and quietly allow this to go the way of Ruby Ridge and Waco. Folks, the investigation is no more than grand-standing for the people and history proves no one will be held accountable. We prosecute soldiers if they accidentally kill a civilian because they are nothing but cannon fodder and not part of the inner circle of criminals that lead this country. How many citizens will be murdered by our government? The body count keeps rising. THERE MUST BE ACCOUNTABILITY OR WE ARE NOTHING!
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:20pmI have a feeling Darrel Issa is timing the hearings to coincide with the election year next year. Yes that’s a political motivation, it doesn’t change the fact that the Obama administration ROYALLY screwed up “Fast and Furious”. Here’s to seeing Obama on the stand as tries to keep his election campaign going.
Report Post »Melvin Spittle
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:28pmI have had it with our government. I will now claim max exemptions and I will determine what the government gets when I file. I feel no obligation to fund this lunacy other than for our defense and my taxes will reflect this.
Could you imagine a nation wide tax protest of all taxpayers claiming max exemptions? They cannot jail us all and will then truly be accountable as the servants of the people. SBUX is withholding campaign contributions and we should withhold tax payment until the last minute! The government will then listen to all of us tax paying producers and turn a blind eye to the moochers if they are to survive! For too long have the democrats redistributed our wealth and c*r*a*p*p*e*d all over our rights!
Report Post »It is time to force them to listen to the producers that they treat as their personal piggy banks. That time is now.
Viet Vet
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:55pmI hear the sounds, of distant drums!
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:07pmazjeff1963, it’s nothing new, in 91, I turned in my boss, because he had his brother in law put in some fiber for the USACE, charged the government $500 per end to polish the ends, when the going rate was $25. We ended up paying 1.5 million for a $75k job, they ran it through an 8a minority firm, and played like it was single source that could provide the service. Sadly, they polished 24 pairs of fiber also when we only needed 2 pairs, so the job should have cost less than $7500. 3 weeks after reporting it, to an anonymous reporting site, I was told funding had been terminated for my project, a few weeks later I found out my boss had been promoted to branch chief. Thankfully, the mansion he built on the coast was flooded during Katrina, and he had no flood insurance.
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:15pmOH anouther ATF story?
Report Post »Cut/Paste/Now……….I cant stand this nazi group off killers, the agents at Waco, Ruby Ridge, were
also commended and promoted ! ……………..Need to say more…. oh Yeah I’m NOT A TERORRIST ! !
They are guilty of felonies…..selling high powered guns to illegals…………Put them in jail damn it ! ! !
Lucy Larue
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:52pmMICMAC,
Report Post »This is BIG,DIRTY, and TRAGIC!
Issa and Cornyn should receive a call from all of us here thanking them for their courage to persist.
It isn’t easy. Issa is being attacked and reviled by the left.
The number of the congressional hotline is: (202) 224-3121.
Just tell the operator whose office you wish to be connected to.
A simple THANK YOU will suffice.
1TrueOne55
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:05pm@DRPhil69: Julian Assange aKa Wiki-Leaks is most likely associated with the Administrations sponsor Giorgy Schwartz/George Soros and don’t do anything without his permission. His lawyer for the rape charges against Asange is Soros’s lawyer for the OSI (Open Society Institute). So the connection is at least highly possible no matter if they deny it or not
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:19pmCome, come now. These men have proven themselves worthy of Obum’s trust. They’ll be instrumental in helping the commie build his civilian KGB and disarm citizens. Nothing to worry about, really.
Report Post »http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread406606/pg1
michael48
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:20pmGov. Gumbas, rewarding the CODE amongst CROOKS….what ever you do …don’t get Atty. LIBERAL Holder on the HOOK…you youngsters are going to be 30 years getting the Comrade Crowd out of the nook and crannies from this Marxist Crowd…and until you do , they will do ALL THEY CAN to facilitate the fall of AMERICA…(D)= Dangerous..they’ll ALWAYS tack to the MARXIST CAUSE…make book on it…been watching this movie 64 years…hope you have better luck than WE DID…YOU’RE GOING TO NEED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:50pmThese ATF officials did exemplary work in the service of their president….selling guns to drug traffickers in an insane attempt to torpedo the 2nd Ammendment, which resulted in the deaths of two American law enforcement officials and countless Mexican civilians.
Report Post »Marci
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:59pmOh, I see. Hush hush promotions. What is happening in the U.S.?? The DOJ (and president) caught red-handed deny anything, and those in the top ranks of the operation are promoted and sent to DC. Hmmm…Why are putting up with these blatant criminals? At least in the past, our officials TRIED to hide their corruption. Obama and Holder put it on display and then tell you that your eyes are lying to you, you heard something totally different, and then they move on business as usual. ENOUGH.
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 5:04pmOperation Promotion for Silence is a success!
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 5:37pm.
Is there anyone with a functioning brain cell who does NOT believe these
promotions were anything other a payoff for keeping their mouths shut?
“Clam up and we’ll take care of you.”
It’s the Chicago way.
Report Post »avenger
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 5:40pmAgain, I am asking where is our American General Pinochet to clean up this **** ?
Report Post »mils
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 6:59pmout them…tell us who, when,where…
Report Post »let them tell us WHY…PUBLICALLY
Anarcho Capitalist
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 8:25pmThese cops look like the killers to me. What has happened to andy griffith
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:38pmThat’s how the NWO works
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 12:20amIt’s called a pay raise before they retire with full benefits at their current (new) salary.
Report Post »YesNdeedie
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:37pmI would very much like one of those weapons……..think there may be a good use for one after the next election……..home security.
Report Post »CLEttinger
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:37pmHolder made sure those that could implicate him got a little something to shut them up.
Report Post »meamerican
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:14pmDont you think it is odd that they hide their faces? Why would someone doing a ob for the American peope need to hide their faces like the terrorists do? Makes you wonder!
Report Post »W@nd@
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:37pmSure tells me it was not a f* up but
Report Post »a job well done …ergo the big fat promotions!
You can‘t tell me this administration isn’t in this deep!
Well in this~over their heads in this!
Congress better not let this go…
but continue investigations where ever they lead!
Until they get to the bottom of it!
People need to go to jail over this it is where they belong!
There is absolutely NO EXCUSE !
If it goes to the white house so be it…
we will deal with it!
Special investigator sounds good to me
ONE not tied to this administration in any way!
They have lost the trust of the American people!
Mil-Dot
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:43pmAll federal law enforcement agencies have lost the confidence of the American people as well. Except for the dictatorship loving progs. They love the fed cop goons.
Report Post »fastfacts
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:36pmWhat happened to the director quitting, there was the rumor and then he ‘changed his mind,’ where is Congress to push this action into play, where is Rep. Issa?
According to http://www.americanparchment.com :
* Issa is investigating Obama’s unethical campaigning
* Director is running deeper.
* CIA may have played a part in ‘Fast and Furious,’ that would be a third US department that knew about this program without Holder or Obama knowing about it.
THAT RAISES THE QUESTION, DOES OBAMA KNOW ANYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING IN HIS ADMIN – TOO MANY MANAGERS, NO LEADER
Report Post »eagle2715
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:49pm“TOO MANY MANAGERS, NO LEADERS”
Great statement!…
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:24pmWhy don’t we remind Rep. Issa what he should be doing?
Report Post »Contact him here:
http://issa.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=597&Itemid=73
dsm
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:35pmThis is ridiculous. They should be fired. Obama and Holder both knew about this operation. It is all part of their plan. You must unarm the people before you can become a dictator.
Report Post »AirtechJr
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:33pmSounds just like any other civil service job “Screw up and promote”
Report Post »Uncurable wound
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:38pmAmen
Report Post »right
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:02pmYou got that right!
AirtechJr
Report Post »Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:33pm
Sounds just like any other civil service job “Screw up and promote”
JLGunner
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:33pmRemember Randy Weaver and his family? There were promotion there as well. “Ruby Ridge” Snipers shot the mans dog as it walked in front of the house, then shot his son as he went to help the dog.. They sniped his wife as she stood next to a window holding their new baby, dropping her where she stood.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:49pm@JL
Report Post »I remember. Lon Horiuchi was the snipers name.
johnj1952
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:30pmSure if your a muslim and blow your worthless ass up, you get promoted to heaven and some virgins as well. These A-hole deserve jail time, a long jail time.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:33pmAmen to the jail time – preferably in Mexico where they did most of the damage!
It’s stupid stuff like these promotions that infuriates the American public that is paying attention. It’s stupid stuff like this that just makes you want to get rid of 75% of the federal gov’t just because they are so indescribably incompetent!
Report Post »snidley-whiplash
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:33pmWatch the other hand……….obama admin is still after the 2nd Amendment!
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:29pmI wish I could tell my boss “man, really botched that one up.I sure made some mistakes and h3ll I didn’t even follow procedure” and get promoted….must be nice
Report Post »Like the rich guys who got a bonus after the taxpayers bail’d them out…What happened to those guys…don’t hear about them anymore either….just like these guys, give them money they will go away ….time to call in the Untouchables again…HEY Sean…we need ya man
CLEttinger
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:36pmI wonder if Holder gave them all promotions so he wouldnt be implicated…
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:32pmFor sure…they followed someones orders …got them closer,and now under 24/7 surveillance..wonder how these guys will like being watched from big brother everyday …kinda ironic
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:00pmI hear the sounds, of distant drums.
Report Post »Damage6
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:29pmPerfect example of the F@%*!-UP Move-UP culture so prevelant in Government.
Report Post »Banter
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:28pmPeter principle in action.
Report Post »tomloy
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:27pmThis is not a surprise. They did the same thing after ruby ridge and waco.
Report Post »dadsrootbeer
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:27pmJust loving that hope, change and transparency of this adminstration.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmOK let me get this straight: you are a supervisor overseeing gun running to another country, a US citizen and agent gets killed with one of the guns, you admit you “ screwed up ”, and you get promoted? Is this is great country or what? ( sarcasim ). Rep Issa: keep the pressure on, stay strong!!
Report Post »oldchevyguy
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:55pmWell put!
Report Post »TOPOFTHEGAME
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmAll of this was done to make GUNS AN ISSUE for the democrats in the 2012 run for the WhiteHouse. To many guns along the borders and the government needs to curb them. And it backfired on the administration. Some heads need to roll over this………….
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmThey should have all been fired and prosecuted for what they did. Promoting them is a slap in the face to all those killed by those guns. Shame on the ATF for doing this.
Report Post »ddg7
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmHey, it was cheaper to promote them then it was to award them million$ in a whistleblower settlement.
Report Post »Perspective
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:24pmAfter overseeing the Mother of All F-UPS they get promoted. Only in this administration.
Report Post »agameofthrones
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:27pmThat‘s how you know you’re going to be promoted in this regime. You screw up royally and they know you are truly one of them!
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:33pmBlindly follow orders and do as your told……Very good comrade
Report Post »Tony Cat
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:24pmWhy aren’t comments showing up?
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:29pmok
Report Post »S.N.A.F.U…….
V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:29pmBecause they soft-censor comments to allow the shills to get in first. Your comment will be “awaiting moderation” indefinitely until they‘re sure your comments doesn’t damage their propagandized narrative too much.
What…you think they’re beyond censorship?
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:07pm@Tony Cat
Report Post »Two related questions:
Ever heard of Betsy?
Are you a troll or a patriot?
JRserious
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:22pmthis is way worse than iran-contra. where is the investigation? heads should roll.
Report Post »AmeriCat
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:22pmSo they overseers got promotions?….an ongoing payoff to keep quiet
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:21pmGet people killed and get an advancement in your job.
Report Post »NDCORUP
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:21pmThis is S.O.P. as far back as I can remember, Clinton, Bush Jr,, Daddy Bush, now Obama carried on the tradition.
Report Post »TheTruthPlease
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:58pmWhat do all three have in common? A new world order. Have a plan, or be caught dead without one…2+1=safety for you and yours…
Report Post »Pro Deo et Patria!
MidWestMom
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:21pmCan you say “pay offf”?
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:25pmNaww… This isn’t a BRIBE or a reward for keeping SILENT. Why would Eric Holder or Obama have ANYTHING to do with this.
Report Post »