US

Issa: Fast and Furious Wiretap Information Shows Involvement of Senior DOJ Officials

Fast and Furious Wiretap Information Implies Involvement of Senior DOJ Officials

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), file photo.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) has been relentless in his pursuit of the truth regarding the failed federal gun-walking operation Fast and Furious – and it may finally be paying off despite the consistent stonewalling by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Obama administration.

Issa, in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder dated June 5, 2012, says senior Justice Department officials had specific knowledge that their federal agents were allowing guns to walk across the Mexico border. This is something that DOJ officials have repeatedly denied.

On what basis did Issa make such a bold accusation? He says the investigating committee is basing their information on six wiretap applications that have been obtained by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and relate to the failed operation.

“The wiretap applications show that immense detail about questionable investigative tactics was available to the senior officials who reviewed and authorized them,” Issa wrote. “The close involvement of these officials – much greater than previously known – is shocking.”

The six wiretap applications were approved by senior Justice Department officials from March through July, 2010, according Issa. All of the applications included a “memorandum” from Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer to Paul M. O’Brien, Office of Enforcement director.

Fast and Furious Wiretap Information Implies Involvement of Senior DOJ Officials

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (File photo).

According to CBS News, Holder testified before Congress on Nov. 8, 2011 and said he would “be surprised if the tactics themselves about gun walking were actually contained in those, in those (wiretap) applications. I have not seen them, but I would be surprised (if) that were the case.“ He must be pretty ”surprised” at the present moment.

“The wiretap applications obtained by the (House Oversight) Committee show such statements made by senior Department officials… to be false and misleading,” Issa wrote.

More from Issa’s scathing letter to Holder:

In a May 15, 2012 letter, the Deputy Attorney General reiterated the Department’s position that the “inappropriate tactics used in Fast and Furious… were not initiated or authorized by Department leadership in Washington.” We now know that statement is false.

In light of the information contained in these wiretap applications, senior Department officials can no longer disclaim responsibility for failing to shut down Fast and Furious because they were unaware of the tactics used.

You have repeatedly either denied involvement by senior officials in Fast and Furious, or asserted that the wiretap applications do not contain rich detail about irresponsible investigative tactics. In a press conference on September 7, 2011, you stated:

“The notion that somehow or other this thing reaches into the upper levels of the Justice Department is something that… I don’t think is supported by the facts. It’s kind of something I think certain members of Congress would like to see, the notion that somehow or other high-level people in the department were involved. As I said, I don’t think that is going to be shown to be the case.”

Late yesterday, Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote his own letter to Republican House leaders, including Issa, saying the DOJ disagrees with Issa’s claims and that they are “legally prohibited from commenting on the content of sealed court documents,” CBS News reports. In other words, they are refusing to address the new evidence.

The wiretap applications have been provided to Democrats on the House Oversight Committee for them to review as well.

“Chairman Issa’s letter makes clear that sealed court documents…have been disclosed to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in violation of law. This is of great concern to us,” said Cole in his letter.

Fast and Furious Wiretap Information Implies Involvement of Senior DOJ Officials

U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian A. Terry. (AP Photo/U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

This development in the Obama administration’s lingering Fast and Furious scandal should arguably be on the front page of every news outlet in the U.S.

Both Mexican Authorities and Holder have admitted that guns linked to Fast and Furious have killed hundreds of civilians in Mexico as well as U.S. border agent Brian Terry. Holder testified before Congress and said the death toll would likely increase.

The party line thus far has been that Fast and Furious was hatched by the Phoenix Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and senior officials had been left in the dark. It should be interesting to see if Issa’s latest move prompts any kind of story change. Read all of Issa’s letter to Holder here.

Comments (114)

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  • Too_Far_Gone
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:41pm

    The lights are coming on and all the cockroaches are starting to scatter…

    Somebody get the Raid !

    Report Post » Too_Far_Gone  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:03pm

      No .. wait until we get the king cochroach … he sends the little ones out first … wait for them to “sing” ;-) Then oh ooooo Raid!

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:35pm

      Folks don’t get you hopes up! Holder and the head of ATF are on Obamas pardon list. Head of the snake has a lead shild covering it.

      Report Post »  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 6:34pm

      This is what Democracy looks like-you’ve the the biggest criminal in the country in charge of law enforcement.

      Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:09pm

      I still don’t get how they were gona track the weapons……….how was this supposed to work ? It’s insane………

      Report Post »  
    • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:11pm

      @ POORRICHARD09

      “This is what Democracy looks like-you’ve the the biggest criminal in the country in charge of law enforcement.”

      My thoughts exactly. It appears as though this POS thinks his position allows him to be above the law. If these accusations end up being true…..Eric Holder needs to understand what the idea of EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL truly means!!

      Character is what matters!!!

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:20pm

      Do NOT ask for his resignation. Wait until 2013 and prosecute with the full hammer of the law.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:22pm

      @turnkey ,, Can an illegal President pardon anyone? Obama has yet to submit a genuine long form birth certificate…because he does not have one…Keep after Holder and expose these drug traffickers all the way to the top.

      Report Post »  
    • smokeyridgerunner
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:23pm

      Why has not Mr. Holder been put in Jail?

      Report Post »  
    • goldmankc
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:24pm

      i only want obama and friends convicted of 1 thing, fast and furious. those are federal firearms charges and each count (gun) stands as 1 felony. those responsible would never see the light of day again. any pardons would ruin the pardoners career if Americans stood up and shouted (voted) against said pardons (pardoners).

      Report Post » goldmankc  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:53pm

      Look, Holder stated in testimony before congress in December last year when he was asked whether or not he was lying about what he knew and when he knew it, regarding Fast and Furious, he stated: “lying ”IS” a state of mind.”

      Meaning; if you believe you are telling the ‘truth’ (as a government official) you aren’t “lying.” As a citizen, you are considered to be a liar until proved to be telling the truth.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • creepshow
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:32pm

      The holdup on contempt charges moving forward is JOHN BOEHNER and ERIC CANTOR.
      They are cowards who are afraid that holder and obama will play the race card if holder is held in contempt.
      So, in effect, BOEHNER and CANTOR are enabling the cover-up of Fast and Furious.
      If Fast and Furious is allowed to be covered up, then we will no longer have a legitimate government. Instead we will be ruled by thugs and crooks who steal our money and use it to rule us through fear of violence and/or imprisonment.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Holder knows he‘s done for best to wait until Obama is out of office and can’t issue a pardon then he will sing like a jailbird catching the big fish.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Kings must kill their Ministers of State… for they know too much. But, Kings do not like to kill Kings, for it sets a presidence!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Paul
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 11:29pm

      @Too

      That’s funny ! And True…….

      Report Post » Paul  
    • Paul
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 1:52am

      @CatB

      Got to agree

      Report Post » Paul  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 12:17pm

      The action committed by Obama and his administration are treasonist.They better plan on getting out of the country after Obama is handed his walking papers in Nov. The next Justice department will show them what they get for turning our justice department into Obama personal legal department.

      Report Post »  
  • Thors Hammer
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:40pm

    Jail is too good for Holder and his ilk. We’ve kept Gitmo open for just such as these. I hope they enjoy their 40 year tropical ‘staycation’. Soon, please.

    Report Post »  
    • Popp40
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:02pm

      One could only hope that would happen, however, we all know nothing will come of this and Holder and Obama will not be held accountable. There is no longer accountability when it comes to politicians….especially Democratic Politicians. I have lost all faith in our government and their ability to do what is right.

      Report Post »  
    • Pillar of Fire
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 6:02pm

      They need to be placed in the FEMA camps they have waiting for someone to inhabit. That way we‘d know they couldn’t escape. They set up the security…kinda like in the book of Esther.

      Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:24pm

      Send him to the Fema camps

      Report Post »  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:36pm

    I think Obama is going to want to GO POOF – BE GONE!

    Here‘s a question for Beck’s “Would You Rather Game”.

    1. Would you rather be through with Obama ASAP and let him QUIT/WALK OUT?
    2. Would you rather Obama be TRIED FOR HIS CRIMES?

    Report Post »  
    • idaho1
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:08pm

      If these allegations prove true, then I chose
      3.) All of the above.

      Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:31pm

      Tried for treason…Because many people who refuse to see the truth need to see how close we are to losing our country because the treason in our leadership..Fill the Fema Camps with the corrupt politicians.

      Report Post »  
    • Archstone
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:59pm

      I can’t seem to remember… what is the penalty for treason?

      Report Post »  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 12:29am

      DO I have to pick just one?

      Report Post » NancyBee  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:35pm

    Issa has been wanting to rip Holder a new one over this for some time now and it looks like he just may have found the jack hammer to do it with.

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
    • TurboCat
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 5:43am

      Many innocent people have been murdered with these weapons. I’m glad that some people remember the citizens of Mexico (aside from the drug cartels) who also were murdered. Holder should not be a free man at this moment. Neither should his cohorts. Brian Terry’s family deserve better than this.

      Report Post »  
  • Bruce01
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:34pm

    How about a Good Ol’ constitutional trial of judge and jury of their peers, to determine guilty or innocent for these clowns!

    Report Post »  
  • jamesctheman
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:33pm

    I’M SO SICK OF LIARS!!!!! Just step down man. You’ve gone 15 rounds with Apollo Crede & just found out Mr. T is on his way for another 15 rounds. Rocky, YOU”RE DONE.

    Report Post » jamesctheman  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:04pm

      He thinks he has protection in the White House … hasn’t he watched as Barry through others under the bus? His day WILL come.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:36pm

      “threw”

      Report Post »  
  • Teabunny
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:32pm

    ya know…there was a big crash on the Idaban, a few hours before the plane crash…I wonder if that flight was delayed for any reason? I recall reading it was. HHHmmm….

    Report Post » Teabunny  
  • makeemstop
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:30pm

    And now…. We know, you know, what we know and always new… and of course all knew all along, which is also nothing new.

    Liar liar, pants on fire, hope you go to jail for life, every last one of ya.

    Report Post » makeemstop  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:30pm

    “The close involvement of these officials – much greater than previously known – is shocking.”
    —————————————————————-
    Seriously? Not to us.

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:06pm

      Would be shocking if it wasn’t high up .. just how high is the only question … ??? I really think TOP!

      Report Post »  
  • Bruce01
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:29pm

    Lying and cover up by the lead person in charge of law enforcement for our country is just representitive of what is wrong with Big Government. Am I schocked…no…saddended Absolutely!

    Report Post »  
    • blownaway
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:53pm

      @BRUCE01 – well said… exactly!

      Report Post » blownaway  
    • Bruce01
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:00pm

      How about the using the Boy Scout honor Code?
      The Scout Oath

      On my honor, I will do my best,To do my duty to God, and my country,and to obey the scout law;To help other people at all times;To keep myself physically strong;Mentally awake, and morally straight.

      Report Post »  
  • Balthazor
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:28pm

    None of this matters. This is just a distraction. What matters is women’s access to birth control. That’s what matters.

    Report Post » Balthazor  
  • Teabunny
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:28pm

    unrelated….Dead officers searching for solution to Boko Haram, says army chief
    http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88409:dead-officers-searching-for-solution-to-boko-haram-says-army-chief-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

    Report Post » Teabunny  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:27pm

    In the infamous words of the elderly female jurist in the movie My Cousin Vinny…. “Fire em!”

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:26pm

    Put holders A** in jail and charge him with causing the death of the agent.

    Report Post »  
  • tckid17
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:25pm

    Whatever president gets elected, brings with him his own bunch of circus clowns to run the show.

    Report Post »  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:25pm

    NAW…..NO WAY….UH-UH! :)

    Wait – let me get up and do a JIG…
    OK. I’m back.

    GO MR. ISSA, GO!

    It’s been LONG ENOUGH!

    Report Post »  
  • John2350
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:24pm

    I want someone arrested. Straw purchases are illegal. If a low level officer were to be arrested, I am sure he would give up information which would lead to bigger fish. Eventually, it would reach the top levels. This investigation has been going on for over a year. Justice needs to be served!

    Report Post »  
  • honor007
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:22pm

    mad respect for Rep. Issa. He works diligently to uncover the criminal madness that is our DOJ. Holder needs booted out yesterday!

    Report Post » honor007  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:22pm

    I’m shocked…you mean Holder was lying?

    Report Post »  
  • Treaty
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:21pm

    Can we get holder behind bars before November please?

    Report Post » Treaty  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:41pm

      Hey, not just Holdup. Lets get Sweet Old Barack in there to. They both were in the plot up to their eyeballs. Sweet Old Barack may not have planned it but Epic Holdup and Fat Janet kept him informed all the way.
      This was to give Sweet Old Barack an excuse to limit the types of weapons and magazines we could buy.
      If Sweet Old Barack get reelected he will do it by executive order . He no longer has to worry about reelection and will do anything he wants and tell the American People “tough”.

      OMG Nov 6, 2012

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:47pm

      Any time after after 20 January is fine with me. Then 0bama can’t commute his sentence.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • copatriots
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 5:26pm

      RJJ, I am very concerned with presidential pardons once the election is behind us. Win or lose, I think 0bama will do an unprecedented number of pardons. I fear the he77 he will unleash on this country particularly if he loses.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:18pm

    Bring Holder, and all those of the administration to task for contempt of Congress; let them face the courts for their criminal actions once and for all.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:23pm

      Oh one can only hope. Someone low on the totem pole will take the fall meanwhile we all know the lot of them need to be in cuffs following Holder. Justice for Agent Terry is needed and at this point for the American people tired of the corruption.

      Report Post »  
    • Skeeterhawk
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:27pm

      There are so many more important things to the libs in Congress and Obama than Fast and Furious……… Just ask Roger Clements. This ONLY involves the %$^&%$ Attorney General of the US and a murdered Border Patrol (RIP) Agent.

      Report Post » Skeeterhawk  
    • SREGN
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:30pm

      The DOJ policy is not to prosecute blacks. Eric Holder is black, therefore he can not be guilty of anything and cannot be prosecuted.

      Report Post »  
    • Fubared
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:45pm

      Yep, Holder cannot bring charges against one of his peeps, he being foremost among his peeps, Shirley will not charge himself, being head peep in charge of peeps. MFIC of peeps has it’s perks.

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:16pm

    Holder and obama wanted excuses to stop selling semi-automatic weapons and long-guns. They hate the constitution and do not trust the American people. They allowed these weapons to go across the border so they could say.,’See…we must curtail the selling of these guns because drug cartels are using them and killing innocents’. They are now exposed. What will Congress do about it? Obama and Holder are criminals and they now have the blood of innocent Mexicans and some Americans on their hands.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:16pm

    Che: ‘I look at a person… and I see their Guilt… so I shoot em’!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • BQI
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:15pm

    Holder is an absolute disgrace.

    Black Quill and Ink – Black Conservative Blog

    Report Post » BQI  
  • HKS
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 4:13pm

    Well now whuda thunkit, Of course they knew as did the white house. But ya know how it is, the bills have to be paid for all that support.

    Report Post » HKS  
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