Cruz calls for Special Counsel over Fast and Furious scandal

October 12, 2011

Americans deserve open, transparent investigation

AUSTIN–U.S. Senate Candidate Ted Cruz today called for the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate Justice Department corruption in the weapons-trafficking scheme, “Fast and Furious.” Cruz, the former Solicitor General of Texas, said that the facts require a serious investigation. “We cannot trust the Attorney General to ‘investigate’ himself,” Cruz said. “The grave nature of these allegations–and the appearance of multiple obfuscations and evasions–demand an investigation free of political second guessing from the Obama White House.”

“The more we learn about Fast and Furious, the more disturbing the revelations are,” Cruz said. “The public has a right to know who knew what and when. Americans deserve an open, transparent investigation free of political spin. It is clear that this case has now reached a critical point where an impartial investigator is required.”

Cruz said that Attorney General Eric Holder has been far from forthcoming in this investigation. Questions about what Holder and his staff knew about the operation, and their repeatedly changing stories, warrant an outside review.
“Everyone has the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty,” Cruz said. “But the continual stonewalling in this case has undermined the public trust. That trust can only be ensured by appointing a Special Counsel to review the case.”

As part of the Fast and Furious operation, more than 2,000 weapons were provided to Mexican drug cartels as part of a failed attempt to identify weapons smuggling networks. Many of those weapons have turned up at Mexican crime scenes. Two weapons were found at the scene of the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Ted Cruz has worked to strengthen border security and help ensure that America remains a nation of laws. Among other efforts, he has worked on efforts to increase penalties for those with criminal records who enter the country illegally. He is strongly opposed to amnesty and benefits for illegal immigrants, such as in-state tuition.  Learn more at www.tedcruz.org.

View this release here:

http://www.tedcruz.org/uncategorized/2011/10/12/investigate-the-fast-and-furious-scandal/