Thursday, September 29, 2011

Babeu: ATF agents accomplices to murder in gun program

Federal agents who allowed weapons into the hands of Mexican drug cartels are accomplices to murder, according to Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Babeu spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper Wednesday night about the "Fast and Furious" weapons program conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The program filtered weapons purchased in the United States into Mexico, where they were to be tracked. However, Babeu said there was no tracking mechanism and that the weapons have been used in more than 200 murders. Three of the guns, Babeu said, were found at the scene where Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed last December in a shootout north of Nogales. "I'm fearful that not just my deputies, but other officers, citizens in America, we are going to be facing the barrels of guns that have been put in the hands of the most violent criminals in North America and who's going to be held accountable?" Babeu told Cooper. When asked if he believed ATF agents have been accomplices to murder, Babeu replied, "Absolutely," and added, "Now, that's one step away from Eric Holder (U.S. attorney general). This is his Department of Justice and there are people who have lost their lives." Babeu said the U.S. put guns into the hands of cartels working to topple Mexico's government...more

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