One Of The Guns Used In The Deadly Paris Attacks Was Purchased Illegally Through The U.S. Government's 'Fast And Furious' Operation

The ATF operation was intended to build cases against drug cartels, like the Zetas seen here, by tracing weapons.

Judicial Watch: Law Enforcement Sources: Gun Used in Paris Terrorist Attacks Came from Phoenix

One of the guns used in the November 13, 2015 Paris terrorist attacks came from Phoenix, Arizona where the Obama administration allowed criminals to buy thousands of weapons illegally in a deadly and futile “gun-walking” operation known as “Fast and Furious.”

A Report of Investigation (ROI) filed by a case agent in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) tracked the gun used in the Paris attacks to a Phoenix gun owner who sold it illegally, “off book,” Judicial Watch’s law enforcement sources confirm. Federal agents tracing the firearm also found the Phoenix gun owner to be in possession of an unregistered fully automatic weapon, according to law enforcement officials with firsthand knowledge of the investigation.

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Update #1: Shocker: Gun used in Paris terrorist attack part of Fast and Furious gun walking op (Fast and Furious)
Update #2: More Bodies From Eric Holder? Phoenix Gun Tied To Paris Terror Attacks (Bearing Arms)

WNU Editor: This blog has been following the U.S. administration's disastrous "Fast and Furious" program for years .... and this new story has just added more fuel to the fire, and the need to know more on who in President Obama's administration authorised the expansion of this program that has resulted in thousands of guns in the hands of criminals. Unfortunately .... I expect the French will find out what many in the U.S. who have been investigating this story have faced for years .... the U.S. government is not going to be cooperative in giving any details out.

3 Weapons Used in 2010 Mexico Massacre Are Connected To Fast And Furious

Univision News obtained the list of Fast and Furious weapons and a list containing almost 60,000 recovered firearms compiled by Mexico's Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) (Univision News)

Mexican Officials: 3 Weapons Used in 2010 Massacre Are Connected to Fast and Furious -- ABC News/Univision

The Mexican Attorney General's Office (PGR) has confirmed that three guns linked to Operation Fast and Furious were used in the massacre of 15 teenagers in Villas de Salvarcar, Ciudad Juarez, on January 30, 2010, according to the Mexican newspaper Reforma.

Citing unnamed officials, Reforma, one of Mexico's most influential newspapers, reports that several government agencies are currently investigating the massacre and other violent crimes connected to Operation Fast and Furious.

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More News On Fast And Furious

Univision News' Fast and Furious Investigation Prompts Congressional Inquiry -- ABC News/Univision
Univision Leaves Out Key Facts on Fast and Furious Cover-up -- M Catharine Evans, American Thinker
Univision Does Its Homework -- John Malcolm, Heritage Foundation

My Comment: Univision deserves a Pulitzer Prize for their work on this scandal .... a scandal that I am sure will not only result in a number of Congressional investigations, but the appointment of a special prosecutor by either President Obama or by Mitt Romney if he should win in November. People are not only going to be fired for what they did .... but they should also face criminal charges in view of the horrific damages that their actions have caused in Mexico.

More Details Emerge On 'Fast And Furious'

Fast and Furious Scandal: New Details Emerge on How the U.S. Government Armed Mexican Drug Cartels -- ABC News

On January 30, 2010, a commando of at least 20 hit men parked themselves outside a birthday party of high school and college students in Villas de Salvarcar, Ciudad Juarez. Near midnight, the assassins, later identified as hired guns for the Mexican cartel La Linea, broke into a one-story house and opened fire on a gathering of nearly 60 teenagers. Outside, lookouts gunned down a screaming neighbor and several students who had managed to escape. Fourteen young men and women were killed, and 12 more were wounded before the hit men finally fled.

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More News On 'Fast And Furious'

57 Previously Undiscovered Fast and Furious Guns Used in Mexican Crimes -- ABC News
Revealed: Operation Fast and Furious guns used in 2010 Mexico massacre of 16 people - including 14 TEENS -- Daily Mail
'Furious' guns tied to 2010 Juarez massacre, other murders in Mexico -- FOX News
Fast and Furious: The Ciudad Juarez student slaughter -- Human Events
5 Things You Didn't Know About Operation Fast and Furious -- ABC News
Mexican youths massacred with fast and furious weapons says new report -- Washington Times

My Comment: This has (and is) continuing to be a huge scandal that is being completely ignored by major sections of the U.S. main stream media. In this one report Univision has discredited the US Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General's report that cleared Eric Holder of any involvement in the Fast and Furious program. Dozens of people died .... even more wounded .... and the head of the department that ran this program is saying it's not his fault and that he is not responsible .... sighhh .... so much for accountability. If there ever was a need for an independent prosecutor to investigate a Washington scandal .... this is it.

The Human Cost Of "Fast And Furious"

The Untold Story Behind The "Fast And Furious" Scandal -- ABC News

Who are the human faces of the U.S. government's botched "Fast and Furious" gun-walking operation?

Often lost amid the rancor in Washington are the stories of dozens of people killed by guns that flowed south as part of the undercover operation, and later slipped out of view from U.S. officials. Univision's Investigative Unit (Univision Investiga) has identified massacres committed using guns from the ATF operation, including the killing of 16 young people attending a party in a residential area of Ciudad Juárez in January of 2010.

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Update: Univision: The untold story of what 'Fast and Furious' wrought in Mexico -- Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: This explains why Univison was hard hitting in its answer and question interview with President Obama. Makes you wonder why Eric Holder is still the Attorney General.

Was 'Fast And Furious' A Program To Deliberately Supply Guns To The Sinaloa Drug Cartel?

Photo: Jesus Vincente Zambada-Niebla (Source: MSNBC)

Shocking Allegation About ‘Fast And Furious’ -- My San Antonio

A high-ranking Mexican drug cartel operative in U.S. custody says the failed federal operation known as “Fast and Furious” wasn’t about tracking guns at all, reports the Blaze, conservative commentator Glenn Beck’s website.

Jesus Vicente Zambada-Niebla, known as the Sinaloa Cartel’s “logistics coordinator,” says it was about supplying guns — part of a deal between the U.S. government and Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa Cartel to take down rival cartels.

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My Comment: The 'Blaze' article covering this story is here. What's my take .... I am deeply skeptical of this story, and I definitely need more proof. If the US government knowingly supplied weapons to a Mexican drug cartel so that it could take down it's rivals ....the implications are just mind-boggling.

Secret Wiretaps Are 'Rocking' The US Department of Justice

Darrell Issa Puts Details of Secret Wiretap Applications in Congressional Record -- Roll Call

In the midst of a fiery floor debate over contempt proceedings for Attorney General Eric Holder, House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) quietly dropped a bombshell letter into the Congressional Record.

The May 24 letter to Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), ranking member on the panel, quotes from and describes in detail a secret wiretap application that has become a point of debate in the GOP’s “Fast and Furious” gun-walking probe.

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My Comment: Supporters of Attorney General Eric Holder must know that this drip-drip of information from House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa indicates that he has confidential contacts and (yes .... moles) within the Justice department .... otherwise this information would have never made the light of day. For the moment .... because of executive privilege .... this case is now in the memory hole. My hope is that one day a Special Prosecutor is appointed, and that the information which is now "protected" be released to satisfy those like myself who want to know the truth, as well as providing some peace to families like the family of slain Border Patrol agent Brian Terry who .... as unbelievable as this may sound .... are still waiting for answers.

In the meantime .... supporters of Attorney General Eric Holder are pushing a different story.

Update: Here is a good article from the Economist that tries it's best to look at both sides of the issue.

Update #2: I guess some people are above the law.

President Obama Invokes Executive Privilege On Fast And Furious Program Documents

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Just as a House Committee is expected to vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, President Barack Obama has asserted executive privilege over the documents sought by this group. NBC's Pete Williams reports.

Obama Invokes Privilege in Bid to Halt Contempt Vote -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Wednesday invoked executive privilege to withhold from a Congressional oversight committee some documents and communications among his advisers regarding the failed gun enforcement operation known as “Fast and Furious,” in which weapons purchased in the United States were allowed to cross into Mexico.

It was the first time since Mr. Obama took office that he has asserted the privilege, and it sharpened considerably the long-festering dispute between Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and Representative Darrell Issa of California, the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The panel had been threatening to find Mr. Holder in contempt for refusing to hand over some documents.

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More News On President Obama Invoking Executive Privilege On The 'fast And Furious' Program

Eric Holder claims executive privilege over Fast and Furious investigation - US politics live -- The Guardian
Obama moves to withhold papers in Mexico arms probe -- AFP
Obama asserts executive privilege and backs Holder over Fast and Furious -- The Guardian
Fast and Furious scandal: Obama invokes executive privilege; House panel moves forward with Holder contempt vote -- Washington Post
Obama Asserts Executive Privilege as Committee Prepares to Vote Attorney General Holder in Contempt of Congress -- ABC News
White House asserts executive privilege over Fast and Furious documents -- CBS
Likelihood of contempt vote against Holder rises -- USA Today/AP
What happens if panel cites Holder for contempt? -- CNN
Obama invokes executive privilege to protect Eric Holder: Can he do that? -- Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor
Barack Obama once a harsh critic of executive privilege -- The Guardian
Executive privilege explained: What Obama's Fast and Furious document claim means -- FOX News

My Comment: For President Obama to invoke Executive Privilege on documents for a program that he has already mentioned that he was unaware of is .... very strange. What's my take .... I am wondering what they are protecting.

Update: The final comment should come from this family.

President Obama Grants Attorney General Eric Holder's Request For Executive Privilege On 'Fast And Furious' Documents

Obama Grants Holder Request On 'Furious' Documents As Contempt Vote Looms -- FOX News

President Obama has granted an 11th-hour request by Attorney General Eric Holder to exert executive privilege over Fast and Furious documents, a last-minute maneuver that appears unlikely to head off a contempt vote against Holder by Republicans in the House.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is expected to forge ahead with its meeting on the contempt resolution anyway.

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Update: Obama asserts executive privilege on Fast and Furious documents -- CNN

My Comment: This blog has been covering this story for a long time .... and yes .... it is a big news story. This program resulted in thousands of weapons being shipped to Mexico's drug cartels by US officials (and in secret from the Mexican government) .... that resulted in scores of people being killed .... including a U.S. federal agent.

The U.S. Justice Department was the department responsible for this program .... and someone has to be held accountable. The fact that President Obama has decided to grant Executive Privilege tells me that these documents must carry incredibly sensitive information that ties senior officials to the Fast and Furious program and scandal. More to the point .... unlike past Washington scandals like Watergate .... in this case people have been killed and murdered because of this program .... including a Federal agent .... and the people ultimately responsible for this crime may be senior officials in the US government .... a thought that (I must confess) is incredibly uncomfortable for me .... and should be to anyone who respects the rule of law.

This is a breaking news story. I will have more details later.

Fast And Furious Has 'Poisoned' Mexican Opinion Of The US

Mexican Official: Fast And Furious 'Poisoned' Public Opinion Of US -- The Hill

The Mexican ambassador to the United States on Thursday said a botched gun-tracking operation by America “poisoned” public opinion of the United States for the citizens of its southern neighbor.

Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan told a room of reporters on Capitol Hill that the failed Operation Fast and Furious, which has been the focus of a Republican investigation in the House for more than a year, “put a lot of strain” on U.S.-Mexico relations.

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My Comment: Permitting the flow of thousands of fire-arms into the hands of Mexico`s drug cartels .... resulting in the probable death of .... who knows how many .... is certainly not the act of a friendly neighbor. As scandals go .... this is a big one. But with little interest from the main stream media .... no accountability and continuing obstruction from the Justice Department .... it will be a new administration that will have to take the reins of this foreign policy disaster and make amends with Mexico.

The 'Fast And Furious' Scandal Continues

Photo: US Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry

Obama’s Watergate -- Jeffrey T. Kuhner, The Washington Times

Officials cover up culpability for gun smuggling and murder.

A year ago this week, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered. He died protecting his country from brutal Mexican gangsters. Two AK-47 assault rifles were found at his death site. We now know the horrifying truth: Agent Terry was killed by weapons that were part of an illegal Obama administration operation to smuggle arms to the dangerous drug cartels. He was a victim of his own government. This is not only a major scandal; it is a high crime that potentially reaches all the way to the White House, implicating senior officials. It is President Obama’s Watergate.

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My Comment: I agree with the family of murdered U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry .... where is the accountability? People have been killed on both sides of the border from this incredibly ill conceived operation .... but everyone is denying that they are the ones to blame. But what bugs me more than anything else is President Obama's lack of leadership on this issue .... he is AWOL on a issue that impacts scores of people on both sides of the border .... but he is absent.

'Fast and Furious' Guns Will Impact Crimes On Both Sides Of The U.S.- Mexico Border For 'Years To Come'

Lawmakers: Heads Should Roll Over Gun-Walking -- CBS News/AP

WASHINGTON - Republican lawmakers told Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday to fire some Justice Department subordinates over the flawed arms-trafficking investigation called Operation Fast and Furious.

At a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin said impeachment is an option if Holder does not "clean up this mess" quickly.

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More News On The 'Fast And Furious' Program

Holder Suggests 'Fast and Furious' Guns Will Be Used in Crimes for 'Years to Come' -- FOX News
Holder: Operation Fast and Furious effects seen for years -- UPI
GOP critic threatens impeachment over 'Fast and Furious' -- CNN
AG Holder threatened with impeachment over 'Fast and Furious' -- Christian Science Monitor
Gun Law-Enforcement Operation Called ‘Reckless’ By Holder -- Bloomberg
Holder pushes back against 'Fast and Furious' criticism -- MSNBC
Republican congressman says heads must roll in Operation Fast and Furious -- Washington Post
House Republicans say ‘Heads should roll’ in Fast and Furious operation -- Washington Times
Is Eric Holder's grip on the 'Fast and Furious' fiasco slipping? (video) -- Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor
'Lying,' Holder Says, 'Has to Do With Your State of Mind' -- Daniel Halper, Weekly Standard

My Comment: Attorney General Holder has accused his critics of politicizing 'Fast and Furious', but emails among his own department (i.e. the ATF) reveal a political agenda behind the implementation of 'Fast and Furious'. People have been killed because of this program .... and will continue to be killed in the future .... and because of this AG Holder has to be held accountable for this disaster. His firing should be on the top of the White House's agenda .... but I suspect that his friend and ally in the Oval Office will try his best to sweep this under the rug and hope that everyone forgets about it after Christmas.

President Obama: Those Responsible For 'Fast And Furious' Will Be Held Accountable

Obama On ‘Fast and Furious’: ‘People Who Have Screwed Up Will Be Held Accountable’ -- ABC News

As the Justice Department investigates how U.S. guns were allowed to flow illicitly into Mexico under the watchful eyes of federal agents, President Obama said today in an exclusive interview with ABC News that “people who have screwed up will be held accountable.”

“Our overarching goal consistently has been to say we’ve got a responsibility not only to stop drugs from flowing north, we’ve also got a responsibility to make sure we are not helping to either arm or finance these drug cartels in Mexico,” Obama said in the interview with ABC News senior White House correspondent Jake Tapper that will air on “Nightline.”

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Update: Obama: We’ll find those who ‘screwed up’ Fast and Furious operation -- The Hill

My Comment: I hope the President will keep his word, but I suspect that he will not accommodate this request right now.

'Fast And Furious' Scandal -- News Updates October 18, 2011

The Department of Justice has denied speculation that there was a missing third weapon at the murder scene of DEA agent Brian Terry, which sparked the ATF's Fast and Furious scandal. (Credit: CBS)

‘Fast & Furious’: How A Botched Operation Spawned Fatal Results -- Washington Times

Overseer promised skeptical agents ‘most fun’ with ATF.

The central characters in the failed “Fast and Furious” firearms investigation were 19 men and one woman, all legal residents of the U.S., accused of laying down hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit cash at Phoenix-area gun shops to buy an arsenal of high-powered weapons for Mexican drug smugglers.

Between September 2009 and December 2010, congressional investigators said, they purchased or aided in the purchase of more than 2,000 AK-47 assault weapons, Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifles, FN 5.7mm semi-automatic pistols and other assorted rifles, shotguns and handguns that later were “walked” into Mexico. About half the weapons remain unaccounted for.

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More News On Fast And Furious

Sen. John Cornyn: No more 'Fast and Furious' gun programs -- L.A. Times
DOJ: No 3rd gun in "Fast and Furious" murder -- CBS
Issa to press FBI for "gunwalking" info -- CBS
Dem blasts Issa for 'reckless' comments -- The Hill
Justice Department Accuses Issa of 'Mischaracterizing' Evidence in Probe of Operation Fast and Furious -- FOX News
Justice Department Denies Lawmaker’s ‘Fast and Furious’ Claim -- Bloomberg Businessweek

Grenades Were Also Supplied To Mexico's Drug Cartels Under The Watchful Eye Of The ATF

"Grenade-Walking" Part Of "Gunwalker" Scandal -- CBS News

There's a new twist in the government's "gunwalking" scandal involving an even more dangerous weapon: grenades.

CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson, who has reported on this story from the beginning, said on "The Early Show" that the investigation into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)'s so-called "Fast and Furious" operation branches out to a case involving grenades. Sources tell her a suspect was left to traffic and manufacture them for Mexican drug cartels.

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My Comment: This scandal is getting messier and messier with each passing day, further reinforced with the administration providing conflicting and contradictory accounts on the "who and when" did they know what was happening. While the rest of the media is asleep on this story, "Face the Nation" will be focusing more on this story this Sunday.

On a side note, kudos to CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson for uncovering this story .... if there ever was a person who deserved a Pulitzer for a news story .... this is it.