Really ? Can you link to where you got that from ? Would be interesting.
source:
Wikipedia
ATF gunwalking scandal
The
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) ran a series of "gunwalking"
sting operations<SUP id=cite_ref-csm1_1-0 class=reference>
[2]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-wapoa_2-0 class=reference>
[3]</SUP> between 2006<SUP id=cite_ref-npr1_3-0 class=reference>
[4]</SUP> and 2011.<SUP id=cite_ref-csm1_1-1 class=reference>
[2]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-nyt1_4-0 class=reference>
[5]</SUP>
This was done under the umbrella of Project Gunrunner, a project intended to stem the flow of
firearms into
Mexico by interdicting straw purchasers and gun traffickers within the United States.<SUP id=cite_ref-atf1_5-0 class=reference>
[6]</SUP> "
Gunwalking" or "
letting guns walk" was a tactic whereby the ATF knowingly allowed thousands of guns to be bought by suspected
arms traffickers ...
source:
ATF
<ABBR></ABBR>
Project Gunrunner
Gun trafficking to Mexico is a nationwide problem with consequences on both sides of the border. In response,
<ABBR>ATF</ABBR> implemented Project Gunrunner in 2006 as a comprehensive strategy to reduce firearms and explosives related violent crime associated with Mexican criminal organizations operating in the U.S. and Mexico by preventing these organizations from unlawfully acquiring and trafficking firearms and explosives. Through Project Gunrunner, <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> works in conjunction with its domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the firearms and explosives trafficking infrastructure of criminal organizations operating in Mexico, along the border, and other areas of the U.S.
Project Gunrunner’s objective is to deny Mexican drug cartels the <Q>tools of the trade,</Q> which they employ to murder rival drug traffickers, civilians, as well as political, military, and law enforcement figures in order to strengthen their grip on the lucrative drug and firearms routes into and out of the United States.
The cornerstone of Project Gunrunner is intelligence-led firearms trafficking investigations. This process involves the collection of information from a variety of sources such as Federal Firearms Licensees, ballistic and forensic analysis, and data derived from firearms tracing in addition to traditional intelligence sources and methods. This information is then synthesized, analyzed and appropriate leads are disseminated to <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> field offices for investigative action. The information is also shared with our Federal, State, local and tribal partners, as well as our Mexican law enforcement counterparts, each contributing their unique capabilities and resources, forming a multi-layered, comprehensive approach to disrupting firearms trafficking and drug-related violence.
Project Gunrunner investigations have resulted in the identification and prosecution of firearms trafficking organizations in all parts of the United States, from Minnesota to Florida to all our border states, where <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> criminal intelligence and tracing data has provided valuable leads used in identifying individuals and organizations providing firearms to Mexican criminal enterprises.
In 2009, <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> established several new offices dedicated to Project Gunrunner firearms trafficking investigations in McAllen, Texas, El Centro, California, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, including a satellite office in Roswell, New Mexico, in addition to new Gunrunner teams in Tucson, Arizona and El Paso, Texas. In September 2010, <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> announced plans to expand Project Gunrunner by opening additional Gunrunner offices in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and Brownsville, Texas. Additional expansion plans include the opening of three new offices located in U.S. Consulates in Mexico, as well as adding additional investigative and analytical staff to the <ABBR>ATF</ABBR> Country Office in Mexico City. These steps will allow for more timely and effective collaboration among the various law enforcement partners dedicated to Project Gunrunner.
Today, there are nearly 4,500 active Project Gunrunner investigations throughout the United States. Since its inception in 2006, and through Fiscal Year 2010, <ABBR>ATF</ABBR>’s Project Gunrunner has recommended over 1,100 criminal cases and in excess of 2,500 defendants for prosecution. To date, Project Gunrunner investigations have resulted in the seizure of over 10,000 firearms and nearly one million rounds of ammunition destined for Mexico.
at those who believe there is a difference between the Dems & Repubs
