October 3, 2011 5:59 PM

ATF Fast and Furious: New documents show Attorney General Eric Holder was briefed in July 2010

By
Sharyl Attkisson
Topics
News ,
Law and Order

WASHINGTON - New documents obtained by CBS News show Attorney General Eric Holder was sent briefings on the controversial Fast and Furious operation as far back as July 2010. That directly contradicts his statement to Congress.

On May 3, 2011, Holder told a Judiciary Committee hearing, "I'm not sure of the exact date, but I probably heard about Fast and Furious for the first time over the last few weeks."

Yet internal Justice Department documents show that at least ten months before that hearing, Holder began receiving frequent memos discussing Fast and Furious.

Read the new documents

Read the July 5, 2010 memo

Read the "It's a tricky case" email

Read the memo to AG Holder from Asst. AG Lanny A. Breuer

The documents came from the head of the National Drug Intelligence Center and Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer.

In Fast and Furious, ATF agents allegedly allowed thousands of weapons to cross the border and fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.

Gunwalking scandal uncovered at ATF

It's called letting guns "walk," and it remained secret to the public until Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered last December. Two guns from Fast and Furious were found at the scene, and ATF agent John Dodson blew the whistle on the operation.

Agent: I was ordered to let guns "walk" into Mexico

(Watch Holder's statement to Congress in May, 2011 below)

Ever since, the Justice Department has publicly tried to distance itself. But the new documents leave no doubt that high level Justice officials knew guns were being "walked."

Two Justice Department officials mulled it over in an email exchange Oct. 18, 2010. "It's a tricky case given the number of guns that have walked but is a significant set of prosecutions," says Jason Weinstein, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. Deputy Chief of the National Gang Unit James Trusty replies "I'm not sure how much grief we get for 'guns walking.' It may be more like, "Finally they're going after people who sent guns down there."

The Justice Department told CBS News that the officials in those emails were talking about a different case started before Eric Holder became Attorney General. And tonight they tell CBS News, Holder misunderstood that question from the committee - he did know about Fast and Furious - just not the details.


  • Sharyl Attkisson

    Sharyl Attkisson is a CBS News investigative correspondent based in Washington. All of her stories, videos and blogs are available here.

Add a Comment See all 535 Comments
by natsecwtr February 2, 2012 3:29 PM EST
While Mr. Holder's selective memory does him a great diservice once again, let's not forget the ATF agents who's careers and families have been destroyed all in effort to cover up for the ATF and DOJ Leaderships catastrophic failures. Bet the brass never missed a paycheck like the men and women who's boots are on the ground day in and day out to protect our citizens. They follow orders, they are fired to cover up. The disobey orders they are fired. They disobey and call the media- they are destroyed. Win win situation.
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by scrappdaddy December 14, 2011 3:24 AM EST
This is the biggest bunch of BS. His people said he misunderstood the question? How do you misunderstand, "When did you first know about the program, officially I believe, called 'Fast and Furious?'" Is that misleading to anyone else? This is our government. I am not a lawyer, but let's assume that these guns were in the evidence locker from other crimes, and were allowed to "walk" out (a crime for each weapon). Wasn't one of the "Lethal Weapon" movies about this? The guns were to be destroyed but were illegally removed from evidence. There is a couple of crimes. They were "sold(?)" out of this country (another crime). Used in the assassination of some government officials in Mexico (accomplice to murder?). Used to kill an American Agent (murder). Emails exposed that are conspiracy to obstruct justice. If there are any lawyers out there, please help me on this.
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by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 9:00 AM EST
I'm so sorry for Mr. Holder. One look at him and it's clear he is over his head in an important job that requires reading of many documents and a non-biased view and response to issues, and requires the fulfillment of an Oath (that he probably doesn't understand) to uphold USA Laws, Rule of Law, Constitution and Amendments. He has proven to Americans that regardless of their efforts, we have dangerously lost in seeking equality. It just isn't possible. People prove their capacity and must be rewarded accordingly. Unfortunately, Mr. Holder cannot read all the required material for this job, and stated that under Oath at the Hearing. When he does read, he cannot understand... and he does not understand the importance of reviewing his work and involvement in a case that is under investigation for many crimes including murder, and he does not understand the necessity of not lying to Congress under Oath... and he does not understand the necessary requirements that Congress must declare when an officer or any citizen willfully or negligently deceives Congress. Sadly, Mr. Holder will understand what his job was, from the other side of the bars. There is no excuse for taking and deceptively Holding on to work that the USA depends on being conducted according to law, and dishonestly Holding on to the job for purposes of money, power, and obedience to another person who is in a position he cannot or will not fulfill. Americans are obliged to support and appreciate Representative Issa and Senator Grassley for upholding the rule of law and attempting to protect the USA by ordering Mr. Holder, under oath, to "tell the truth." Mr. Holder does not belong in the DOJ... or any government position. He must be charged for his part in the murder of Americans and Mexicans. If the protection of Holder by Obama prevents justice, the case will continue under the next President who will demand justice. We all must think hard before we put people in responsible positions that they are simply unable to honestly fulfill. Presidency, Senate and House and all the connected departments must be cleansed and restored, keeping in mind the warnings of our founders that it is up to us to ensure that capable and trustworthy people are placed in our government.
by kjd0410 December 10, 2011 11:42 AM EST
WHAT DOES THE WORD JUSTICE MEAN TO THE JUSTICE DEPT.?
Reply to this comment
by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 11:26 AM EST
Holder can't read everything, remember? He is an order taker, not responsible for anything. You know the ol' Nazi cry, just taking orders?
by greneyes46 December 9, 2011 2:12 AM EST
Marijuana should be legalized. I was shocked to see the Obama administration revers it's opinion on marijuana dispensaries, and when it did, I reversed my opinion on Obama. He is NOT the enlightened President I voted for. Marijuana is less harmful to the body than alcohol and cigarettes, and I don't do either. They're gateway drugs to heroine addiction, like chocolate and breast milk. As time goes by, more and more Americans are trying marijuana and finding that it just isn't the dangerous drug the government wants you to believe it is.

Why, I remember the 60's when Nixon assembled and surprised the Press Corp on the White House lawn as he proudly released the "new" drug-sniffing dogs to root out the pot the FBI planted in the bushes. But, they watched in horror as the dogs diverted and instead bee-lined for the stashes in the photographer's film cans, the journalists' back pockets, and the intern's briefcases! The dogs were swiftly rounded up and hauled off in an embarrassing display of enlightenment vs. hindsight. And that was 50 years ago!

How long will our government have this blind spot?
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by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 11:42 AM EST
As you are rolled into surgeries, or dental work, may your doctors and team be relaxed and happy on mary-juana. Like that idea? Regarding O, he doesn't give orders, he takes orders from the corporates that control him. He suckered the Iraq war protesters with great promises he did not fulfill, just meekly bringing troops home just prior to election skirmishes so he can have the soapbox again. Supposedly killed a very sick Osama and hid his body, no pix, and dumped at sea but no proof it was Osama. The Seals on that job have had plenty of troubles... killed in helicopter/plane crashes, etc. Now he muses about putting Americans in Gitmo when they need to be gotten out of the way for interfering and speaking out about his evilness... and that project has started with his signing then crying "I didn't wanna do it" of the ability to arrest citizens without warrant, without access to due process, and hold them as long as "he" (the controllers) want. You'd think he would be asked "Who made you do it if you didn't wanna." Get off the stage, Obummer lovers, the act is over and the curtain is closing. Soon. Anyone who "believed" in his promises of hope and change better "man up" and kick his arse out before those commies can take us over and we have a real physical battle underway. See how many Americans are loading up with firearms over the last couple of months? More than ever. Now what could cause that... Communists. YES, marijuana should be legal for physicians to disburse to patients who need to be helped when all else fails. Our medical "industry" is bad now and the research is crooked and we must attend to business there... as soon as we get the gang called Federal Reserve audited and naturally that will close them. It's all about our money... which means our jobs, and everything else. Vote for the only candidate who has the courage to fight the Federal Reserve, and win... and tell us exactly what they have been doing so we can hire more prison guards...
by bamissfa December 5, 2011 11:42 AM EST
Eric holder is a liar just like the man that hired him!

Boot him and obama in the 2012 election.
Reply to this comment
by rider111189 November 30, 2011 3:20 PM EST
The involved chain of command at the ATF and DOJ should be indicted as accessories to murder. If that chain includes Holder (already committed perjury) and higher, so be it. The level of corruption has increased enormously the last few years, probably due to an organization-wide assumption of immunity, a result of unprecedented control of establishment news media. This country is presently at the very brink of seeing whistle blowers and other dissenters being "diappeared" by secret police.
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by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 11:48 AM EST
Isn't it clear now that we have made wrong headed decisions influenced by our hearts? We did have hope things would be better, and they have proven total inability to carry the water, total ability to deceive and destroy, and total hatred for others. Face it or be prepared to be educated by the action of patriot Americans who will Have Liberty or die.
by btjohnson1 October 28, 2011 5:06 PM EDT
First, Holder new about Fast and Furious as Project Gunrunner no later than April 2nd 2009 in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Attorney General Holder spoke about our ramping up Project Gunrunner at a conference on arms trafficking.

Everyone is talking around the issue. I think the issue is the specifics of how gun walking was used by the Justice Department and why. This is not about the political agenda - we are always in a battle over politics. Our issue should be the knowing acceptance of the "collateral damage" associated with the gathering of information for the purpose of bureaucratic regulation making.

On December 17th, 2 days after Brian Terry was murdered, the ATF posted for comment a new regulation proposing the reporting of multiple rifle sales with detachable magazines in States bordering Mexico. The regulation was justified according to the written explanation accompanying the proposed regulation: "...Successful trace data from recovered rifles confirm that the United States is a significant source of these rifles by FFLs in the southwest Border States, and that many have been sold by FFLs."

Was the political purpose of Fast and Furious simply the gathering of data for the purpose of the creation of new gun regulations - starting with ATF Form 3310.12, Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Certain Rifles?

If the political purpose of "Fast and Furious" was creating crime data for regulatory reform, can a study of the regulatory creation process for ATF Form 3310.12, Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Certain Rifles help us find out the political operatives that were behind the regulation and its data gathering methods?
Reply to this comment
by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 2:39 PM EST
Dunno, but sounds good. thanks for thinking strategically. We need a whole bunch of that. We won our independence not long ago by some determined smart guys applying strategy that made up for fewer soldiers and money and material than the Red Coats. Thing is, we are being scratched by the commies and setup not to trust each other... via O's projects calling for us to report on our friends family neighbors if they disrespect him or his big plans. That dog won't hunt here. We recognize people who are traitors and can deal with them. They really don't want to "report" on others... once they do, they are tar babied to the commies, and will be first to disappear so the commies can cover their trails. Would take just a few of that type of traitor to disappear and the would-be's will change their minds. 'course who knows if it would be the commies that would make the traitors disappear...
by clintfuller October 28, 2011 10:52 AM EDT
"Just not the details" Give me a break!!!

People, it's much worse than that. The guns are going down with full knowledge of the Administration and drugs are coming back with full knowledge of the Administration. Just like in Afghanistan. It's a 500 billion dollars business. Just Google 'Wells Fargo caught dealing drugs'.
Reply to this comment
by DyslexicMonkeyWrench96 October 23, 2011 1:02 AM EDT
The definition of hypocrisy...
=====================================================================
Freedom of Information Act
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Act

A democracy requires accountability, and accountability requires transparency. As Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, "sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants." In our democracy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which encourages accountability through transparency, is the most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government. At the heart of that commitment is the idea that accountability is in the interest of the Government and the citizenry alike.

The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with a clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails. The Government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrassed by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because of speculative or abstract fears. Nondisclosure should never be based on an effort to protect the personal interests of Government officials at the expense of those they are supposed to serve. In responding to requests under the FOIA, executive branch agencies (agencies) should act promptly and in a spirit of cooperation, recognizing that such agencies are servants of the public.

All agencies should adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure, in order to renew their commitment to the principles embodied in FOIA, and to usher in a new era of open Government. The presumption of disclosure should be applied to all decisions involving FOIA.

The presumption of disclosure also means that agencies should take affirmative steps to make information public. They should not wait for specific requests from the public. All agencies should use modern technology to inform citizens about what is known and done by their Government. Disclosure should be timely.

I direct the Attorney General to issue new guidelines governing the FOIA to the heads of executive departments and agencies, reaffirming the commitment to accountability and transparency, and to publish such guidelines in the Federal Register. In doing so, the Attorney General should review FOIA reports produced by the agencies under Executive Order 13392 of December 14, 2005. I also direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to update guidance to the agencies to increase and improve information dissemination to the public, including through the use of new technologies, and to publish such guidance in theFederal Register.

This memorandum does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in theFederal Register.

BARACK OBAMA
=====================================================================
Reply to this comment
by EarlT500 October 7, 2011 4:20 PM EDT
Video
"Obama Orders" Launched Fast and Furious
March 24,2009
Deputy Attorney General David Ogden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PNhYk9NuNc
Reply to this comment
by DeclarationOfIndependence January 3, 2012 2:41 PM EST
Hooray for the leakers, and hooray for true Americans! Seems we have some lessons still to teach... and we will get our country back. Vote for Ron Paul.
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