DOJ Shakeup: ATF Chief Reportedly Connected to ‘Fast and Furious’ Resigns
- Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:15pm by
Buck Sexton
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Acting ATF Director Kenneth Melson– the man in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms during “Operation Fast and Furious”– is stepping down, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Melson’s resignation and reassignment comes in the middle of an investigation into the infamous gunrunner operation Fast and Furious. That program allowed straw purchasers to transfer guns bought in the U.S. across the Mexican border to drug cartels. Two weapons involved in the program were reportedly found at the scene of murdered U.S. Border Agent Brian Terry.
Melson is by no means out of a job. While perhaps a step down on the government ladder, his new role will be a senior position with the Department of Justice as adviser to the Office of Legal Programs.
Attorney Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. announced that the U.S. Attorney in Minneapolis, B. Todd Jones, will take over for Melson as Acting Director, effective Wednesday. The Attorney General complemented Melson’s good work as Acting ATF Director and wished him well with his new responsibilities.
Melson previously gave testimony to Congress in July that high level Department of Justice officials tried to limit his cooperation with the Congressional investigation. During that closed door testimony, Director Melson appeared with his own private attorney.
Acting Director Melson has not been the only one to lose or change his job as a result of the Fast and Furious fallout. Fox News reports on the changes that:
“In Phoenix, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory Hurley, who oversaw Fast and Furious on a day-to-day basis, was reassigned from the criminal to civil division. Also in Phoenix, three out of the four whistleblowers involved in the case have been reassigned to new positions outside Arizona. Two are headed to Florida, one to South Carolina.”
There have been reports that three managers of Operation Fast and Furious below Melson’s level were promoted, but the ATF has denied the accuracy of those claims.
Some members of Congress have expressed dismay at what they believe is nothing more than bureaucratic reshuffling. Sen. John Cornyn has asked Justice officials for an accounting of all Fast and Furious cases in Texas, and told the Tribune:
“Instead of reassigning those responsible for Fast and Furious within the Department of Justice, Atty. Gen. Holder should ask for their resignations and come clean on all alleged gun-walking operations, including a detailed response to allegations of a Texas-based scheme.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, also remains dedicated to unearthing the truth about “Operation Fast and Furious.” Through his Congressional investigation, Rep. Issa uncovered emails that showed Melson received briefings on the botched “Fast and Furious” operation.
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Comments (179)
ejbonk
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:44pmIt’s a start,Now let’s Fire Eric Holder and Friends,that would be a better start.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:50pmAgreed. Holder must go first.
Report Post »stoptheliesbho
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:57pm@JonRivera – stop posting about your stupid iPads that you got for $2. NO ONE CARES!!
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:00pmAgree he is the head of the department– fire him and retrain those below him
Report Post »Unbelievable
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:08pmIt’s a start?!!?!?!?!? No way is it a start… all they did was move him to another department to keep him out of sight. We are still paying this dirtbag! Him along with so many more should be behind bars for being murder.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:31pmThis is meaningless. He’s just the fall guy so the media coverage will blow over and people will forget.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:34pmNOT GOOD ENOUGH!! The ENTIRE ATF must be disbanded and reorganized. The Attorney General MUST be removed and imprisoned for his role, and the POTUS MUST be impeached and imprisoned. This has gone on way too long. This ENTIRE administration is unlawful and in violation of the Constitution and MUST be removed and replaced ASAP….Just sayin’
Report Post »M 4 Colt
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:34pmWith what is about to happen elsewhere in our county in the next two months if i were you i would be stocking up on food, water, and lots and lots of ammo.
I would also call any extended members of my family that lives in the country and make plans for a long stay because with REX 84 in place i think this war of words between the left and right just might get violent and that‘s what Obama and holder want to bring the top down and i for one don’t plan to be anywhere near a big city when REX 84 goes into operation and if your smart you’ll be long gone too.
If you don‘t know what REX 84 is take some time to look it up it should scare the crap out of you along with REX 84 the government has also make plan’s to team up with Walmart to control all food distribution in this country and he who controls the food controls the people.
Please read and learn what the government has planed for the unprepared people in this country it’s not good.
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:35pmmelenson is still working for the government.
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:36pmmelson…..
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:50pmObama will pardon him.
If not mistaken, no president ever came close to the parons handed out by Slick Willy.
Anyone up for a bet? Obama will beat his record when his tour is about up.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:56pmFire, try and convict and jail Holder, Napoletano, Hilary and Obama.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:00pmJust a Fall Guy. The real culprit – the one that looks like a modern-day Marx Brother – is still very much employed and thriving.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:12pmA bunch of slippery slimey balony. No justice is being done here.
Report Post »bigbear_awake
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:12pmagreed but Obama needs to go first
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:12pm~^~v~~^~~v~^~
No its not a start… this guy is taking the fall for Holder and Obama! You dont want these people resigning you want them brought in for questioning nd if need be have charges filed against them. No one should be wishing fortis or celebrating. The Emperor and his regime are adamant about going after the 2nd Amendment. The Fast & Furious program was a direct attack to boost statistics to put the wheels in motion to reign in gun control!
With the doors blown open on this you dont want to see ppl leaving, you want them in place you want to watch how they operate etc and who they are talking to. Worst off while attention is diverted here etc we dont know what is now being put in place to replace the F&F program. The Emperor has made it clear he wants to go after guns, his executive order is proof of that. http://SavingtheRepublic.com
Report Post »becker88
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 4:03pmLets fire them all.
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »NJTMATO
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 4:06pm@M 4 Colt………..Holy Crap!! This is out of left field for me, even though I‘m sure I’ve heard of it, I sort of remember it back when Iran Contra was happening, wasn‘t on the Internet at that time I don’t think….hmmmmmm I think I will make some calls, thanks! Hope I can sleep tonight!
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 4:14pmResignations and re-assignments are an admission of guilt and I think everyone knows that. The fact that anyone remains at any level means the levels above are the guilty ones. That said congress should be looking to rid our government of these people,no exceptions, certainly Holder should go now. I would be quite disappointed if this congress lets this slide as to many people here and in Mexico have been wronged..
Report Post »mparrm
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 4:52pmI didn’t realize guns actually kill people I thought people kill people.
Report Post »robert
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 5:54pmThe BATF is one of the most worthless and corrupt agencies within the federal government. They got their butts whipped badly at Waco which showed the world what a bunch of abysmal cowards they were.
After attacking the Branch Davidians, they they ran out of ammo, held up their hands, turned tail and ran for their lives. They didn’t expect to get a fight from civilians.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:53pm.
Report Post »Melson isn’t going away.
Fired? Hardly, he’s going to the DOJ as head of Forensics.
That way Eric Holder can keep an eye on him in case he decides to spill the beans.
Wanna bet Melson got a raise?
Silence doesn’t come cheap.
tower7femacamp
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:26pmSlaves go to prison for less !!!!
Report Post »Grey Eagle
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:37pmAgree. Holder and his minions should be investigated. The individual giving the order should be charged as accessory to murder for the death of that agent.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:04pmDirector Kenneth Melson is nothing but a “scapegoat” for Holder/Obama this is one of the biggest cover up’s in US history!
Melsons covering for this administration and everyone knows it!
Report Post »Darrell Issa is doing his job and I’m thankful and hopeful he will hold this administration Obama and Holder responsible! …
we are watching!
Pontiac
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:49pm======================================================
Report Post »Resignations are a way of saying “Let me collect on my retirement without prosecution otherwise I will OUT more guilty parties still in power”.
======================================================
Jackers
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:18amToo little, too late… These people should be fired, and this probe must go all the way to the top.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:02pmHold here this man is one of the people directly responsible for the death of a border agent and who knows how many mexicans and American and there are still 1800 weapons they can’t account for. How the he77 is he getting a walk from this. He is a coconspirator in the crimes committed by the illegal arms purchases he forced Gunshop owners to allow to happen. The man needs to be charged ASAP.
Report Post »Watchman064
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:14pmYes.
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:42pmDepartment of Justice as advisor to the Office of Legal Programs….wow…i guess he knows first hand how to spot “bad” legal programs.Just not the ones he is part of…
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:42pmCome on people…he didn’t resign to the unemployment line…he got a pay raise and a job so close to those responsible for this action that they can feed him his lines in the investigation…that’s not a fall guy….that’s guilty…and what better job could he have…now he will be in position to review the evidence that will be going to congress ….again ..guilty…he’s part owner of this crap…IMO
Report Post »orkydorky
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 4:08pmThe slight of hand show begins! The rats will try to lead those investigating away from Holder and Obama. Isn’t this move just so typically obvious of the Chicago style commies that Obama surrounds himself with?
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:41pmNO!
NO RESIGNATIONS SHOULD BE ACCEPTED!
It’s EITHER….GUILTY OR NOT GUILITY!
It’s EITHER….YOU KNOWLINGLY PARTICIPATED IN WRONG OR YOU DIDN’T.
NO ONE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO JUST “ SLIP OUT OF THIS”…
AND GET OFF SCOTT-FREE!
This the the COWARDS WAY OUT…
Report Post »And, THIS ADMINISTRATION & CONGRESS is THE REASON & SOURCE that
ALLOWS people to DO WRONG…..THEN “ RESIGN” TO ESCAPE PENALITY.
eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:46pmP.S.
They “ RESIGN”…and go off to CONTINUE THEIR WORKS FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Deal with it, WHOLLY & THOROUGHLY….FINISH IT TO COMPLETION!
These people NEED TO BE IMPRISIONED ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION -
FOR “ TREASON ACTS AGAINST THEIR COUNTRY”.
A SIGH OF RELIEF that they are GONE – IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Report Post »And, it ENCOURAGES these kinds of corruptive acts to continue –
KNOWING THAT WHEN “ CAUGHT”…THEY CAN SIMPLY “ RESIGN”.
A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:47pm@eyestoseeearstohear,
“And, THIS ADMINISTRATION & CONGRESS is THE REASON & SOURCE that
ALLOWS people to DO WRONG…..THEN “ RESIGN” TO ESCAPE PENALITY.”
Agreed.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:12pmGood riddance!
Resignation does not mean there can be no proper prosecution.
Report Post »Uechi
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:37pmThe resignation is a start now all we need is the three ATF promotions nixed and for Eric Holder and Obama to resign.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:40pmObama is up to his neck in this…..get US gun into Mexico, blame the evil gun dealers and push for the UN gun ban treaty. Before this story came to light Obama and Clinton were out selling the story how American guns are the root of all evil in Mexico. They would know, they planted the guns.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:35pmObama loves to play “Three Card Monty”. Switch his marxist players around and you can’t trace it back to him. The liberal carnival is open for business. Full speed ahead.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:42pmWell who would have expected this game again, It’s the commie way, shift, shuttle and hide responsibility, duck and dodge accountability. The truth is, the buck stops at the front desk, hang that one, problem solved.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:35pmCorrect me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think the BATFE has operated for a single day of the Obama administration with a director confirmed by the Senate.
If Obama can’t find a leader of a government bureaucracy that can legally do so, if so many of his postings are “acting” but not confirmed, and these unapproved bureaucrats are “acting” in ways that are contrary to law and getting Americans killed, why do we allow these bureaucracies to continue operating? Shutdown all operations of the BATFE, send everyone home on a semi-permanent furlow, until Obama can pull his head out of his posterior, look around, find someone he can appoint to the position which the Senate can then approve,
Report Post »DanWesson455
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:46pmThey have not had a “Administrator” appointed as yet. The ones O’Bambam keeps putting up for the job are Sarah Brady types and the Good ol Republicans have our backs. They won’t even bring the names up for a confirmation hearing.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:50pmThere have been a lot of “acting” directors going all the way back, deep into the Bush II administration.
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/BATFE#Directors
Report Post »Miguelito
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:34pmWhat about Holder? How corrupt can an administration and justice department be?
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:49pmHe is holding the employees close so they don’t tell the whole story but someday someone will let their conscience work on them.
Report Post »shazam3
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:51pmI’ll bet these guys all got buried in the Gov legal system by signing other contracts that keep them from testifying. Issa is fighting a fight he can not win unless he gets off his duff and assign a special procecutor and haul all of them into court.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:56pmHis corruption and criminality dates back to the Klinton administraton.
Report Post »Charles
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:34pmBATF has led the way in numerous and horrendous offenses against the citizens of this country. The murder of women and children in Waco is the most memorable and this is just another.
Report Post »ATF needs to be de-funded and eliminated.
Exrepublisheep
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:32pmOllie North.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:52pmAli Baba
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:32pmStepping Down? What about JAIL? And he’s is getting another JOB? With the Office of Legal Programs? That had better be as a inmate. In what other administration could a liar, with blood on his hands, get a job? You just can’t make this stuff up.
Report Post »DanWesson455
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:32pmStep on down, your movin on up! Now keep your big mouth shut…..The NIXON Administration can’t hold a candle to this one with regards to obstruction of congress. I still can‘t fathom why a Special Prosecutor hasn’t been appointed due to this obstruction? What is Issa and Grassley waiting for? Christmas! As one famous comedian states all the time: Git er dun!
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:30pmThe guys that are coming forward with info are getting demoted, reassigned, etc. Holder is trying to send a message to other possible whisleblowers. Issa, go after Holder. MSM where are you?
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:59pmThe MSM has Obummer and Holder’s back.
Report Post »Oncapecod
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:30pmThis guy should be in jail for murder along with his boss Holder, this had better not get swept!
Report Post »gingerbread
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:30pmOne hell of a good way to stop him from talking. Just think, if he started talking, who will he bring down? Holder? Obama? who knows
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:29pmSo Holder got him to eat his gun. One for the team. Mis-direction.
It took long enough…guess it took a while to find a stool-pidgeon. Bet he gets an awesome severance package.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:29pmNow we know that you can be responsible for murder and STILL keep your govt job. Nice…
Report Post »USAqh
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:27pmYou GOTTA be kidding me? REALLY? A reassignment? Let’s see if I have this correct – break the law and get rewarded in the Obama Administration … Nice … Throw the bum in jail along with everyone else involved in this travesty.
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:27pmI should have known it was a pipe dream that Melson would be the one to blow the top off this massive coverup. He lashed out momentarily, and now is right back in bed with the DoJ. I wonder what kind of bonus he is going to get for being the one to fall on his sword for Holder? Sickening.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:27pmThis fool better not be the only one stepping down!
Report Post »Spikey_Dude
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:26pmImmunity included in new position (contract)? You bet!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:24pmSteps down? So when does the indictment come out? This isn’t just going to “go away” if he steps down … HOW HIGH DOES THIS GO? I guarantee it goes ABOVE this guy!
Fast and FuriousGATE must be exposed for what it was … Obama’s way to get guns out of the hands of LEGAL citizens … to destroy the Second Ammendment .. NOTHING LESS!
TEA!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:24pmFalling on his sword for Emperor Obama. We know you knew about it Obama and Holder, it’s only a matter of time.
Report Post »Morris
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:27pmWhen is Holder and Dictator Obama,Our Muslim-in-Chief going to step down?????????????
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:34pmHow is he “falling on a sword” by going to another job, in the legal department, of all places?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:41pmThat’s his reward for being a good soldier.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:04pmGot it
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:09pmI have a feeling that Issa is timing this to all come together in 2012. Yes that betrays a political motivation on Issa‘s part but it doesn’t change the fact that Holder- and likely Obama -greenlighted this abysmal operation and they should be held accountable for it..and if the hearings coincide with an election year? Too bad for Obama.
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:23pmIf you’re thinking about getting a weapon for personal defense, get ‘em now before the civilian purchasing of one will be completely banned.
Watch the other hand, people.
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:33pmDone that long ago!!
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 2:03pmIndeed, long ago. And the ammo too.
Report Post »fitsgibbons
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:22pmCorrupt!!
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 1:19pm((He announced his planned retirement this six weeks ago, by the way. The Blaze reported it!))
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 3:47pmRetirement? Sounds like he resigned and then got another corrupt Obama job. Nice try at an excuse though. Oh when will you liberals pull your head out of your behind and quit trying to make lame excuses for the failure known as the Obama Regime. Things like this make me wonder if the liberals are just plain stupid or if they think everyone else is as stupid as they are?
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