Weapons Traffic: Gun Probe's Tactics Criticized

Gun Probe's Tactics Criticized - WSJ.com: "Lawmakers are pressing Attorney General Eric Holder to explain how federal agents came to use investigative tactics that appear to have allowed guns bought in the U.S. to enter Mexico illegally.

Critics say the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lost track of guns it was supposed to be monitoring, letting the weapons pass into the hands of Mexican cartels and perhaps be used in violence against U.S. officials. ...

At a House hearing Tuesday, Mr. Holder said the Justice Department's policy is to stop weapons from being trafficked to Mexico. "Under no circumstances should guns be allowed to be distributed in an uncontrolled manner," he said, describing his instructions to ATF and other agencies under his charge.

California Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican, said to Mr. Holder at the hearing: "There are dead Americans as a result of this failed and reckless program."

Mr. Issa asked Mr. Holder whether he or top lieutenants were aware of the tactics. Mr. Holder said he became aware of the probe, dubbed "Operation Fast and Furious," only in recent weeks. In a letter to lawmakers in April, the Justice Department said the probe was approved by the Phoenix U.S. attorney, the local ATF office and a regional task force to combat organized and drug crimes"