A Chronology of Operation Fast and Furious 2010-2011
[This is only a "summary" of some of the events | Visit here for a more Comprehensive Chronology of Fast and Furious]

[3rd-4th] Eric Holder finally testifies before Congress. He denies that he, or Asst. AG Lanny Breuer had any knowledge of the operation. Though documents indicate Fast and Furious was started in 2009, Holder told Congress he only learned of it a "few weeks" ago. [CBS News Report]

[4th] Fox News reports -- "t is the closest thing to a smoking gun congressional investigators have in their probe of Project Gunrunner -- a program that was intended to stop the flow of guns to criminals in Mexico but instead allowed those guns to be smuggled to Mexico instead." This report also discloses that personnel in the Attorney Generals Office were aware of the operation.

[4th] CBS News confirms Holder's immediate subordinate knew about the rouge operation. They have copies of documents that directly contradict AG Holder's Congressional testimony.

[6th] CBS News Reports that Issa will hold public hearing and also reports that 31 House Democrats have joined Republicans in demanding that the administration "promptly provide complete answers to all Congressional inquiries on this issue."

[6th] The Hill reports that Issa's committee will issue a large number of subpoenas to Washington based administration officials. The Hill also reports that interviews of cooperating witnesses in the BATFE and Justice Department have revealed who authorized the operation.

[10th] Fox News reports that DOJ is in "full panic mode" over hearings scheduled for this month. They report that the hearings will reveal that BATFE "knowingly and deliberately flooded Mexico with assault rifles" over the repeated objections of field agents.

[13th] Fox news reports that hearings held today will focus on the Obama Administration's refusal to respond to subpoenas and other requests for documents, as the first step in a process that will eventually compel compliance. Rep. Issa is quoted as saying, "Now the question is will DOJ give us the documents or will law enforcement officials, little by little, as whistle-blowers give us what we want to show this problem goes to the highest levels." -- Fox reports that since Watergate, Congress has held just 12 senior U.S. government officials in contempt for failure to produce subpoenaed documents. On Monday, that process begins again.

[14th] Just ahead of its hearings, the House oversight committee releases it's first report. It confirms the worst of the Gunwalker accusations - including that ATF managers were "giddy" when they heard that both violence in Mexico and "gunwalker" gun recoveries were rising. They showed no concern for the innocent Mexicans who were dying. In an earlier video report, Fox News reported that at least one goal of the program was to blame US gun dealers and provide justification for tighter US gun laws. [FoxNews Report]

[17th] CNS News interviews Rep. Issa: Holder 'Absolutely' Knew About Fast & Furious Earlier Than He Testified – Four Minute Report

[19th] The Nevada Appeal [requires a subscription to read] publishes an editorial by Jim Bagwell, graduate of the FBI National Academy with 31 years law enforcement experience. In it he states that one objective of Gunwalker was the passage of new federal gun control laws.

[21st] Greta Van Susteren of Fox News interviews ATF Agent Jay Robbins. He states "fast and furious" was planned in the Attorney General's Office and was known "at the highest levels of government"

[29th] President Obama is asked about the ATF scandal at his news conference. He once again denied that Eric Holder, his Attorney General, had authorized the operation. In their report CBS notes that Kenneth Melson, acting head of BATFE, will be interviewed by Senate investigators in mid-July.

[29th] Town Hall reports on the President's press conference when he was asked about Operation Fast and Furious. His response was: "As you know my Attorney General has made clear he certainly would not have ordered gun running to be able to pass through into Mexico." In response Chairman Issa said "President Obama's remarks today on Operation Fast and Furious were disappointing. There was no sign of urgency to provide answers or explain why no one at the Justice Department has accepted responsibility for authorizing an illegal gunwalking operation six months after Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry's murder. The American people expect more from the President than unsubstantiated assertions that the Attorney General didn't know about this reckless program and no explanation about who authorized it."

[29th] ATF Whistle-blower Vince Cefalu appears on the Fox News the O'Reilly Factor, hosted by Laura Ingraham. We learn that prior to exposing the Gunwalker scandal, Cefalu served in many posts within BATFE and had glowing reviews - yet he was terminated after "blowing the whistle". Cefalu states that many people high in DOJ were fully aware of Gunwalker. Speaking of why he went public, he said, "I had been exposing what I saw as a deterioration in the senior leadership in ATF to the point where it started crossing pretty huge ethical and legal boundaries. Other agents were coming to me from across the country just because I'm as senior as I am, and I became vocal and open and public about it. The straw that broke the back for me was when one of our own was killed with a gun that we allowed to walk."

Jul. 2011

[4th] In a surprise move, acting ATF head Kenneth Melson testified before member of congress on July 4th. He testified that the main target of the investigation was in fact a paid FBI informant. He also testified that DOJ lied to Congress and intentionally obstructed their investigation. Rep. Issa and Senator Grassley report that the cover up includes ATF, FBI and DEA. Melson denied prior knowledge of Gunwalker and stated that he moved to replace those executives responsible as soon as he learned of the program. He also wanted to fully disclose the operation to congress and the public, but was forbidden to do so by DOJ officials. Rep. Issa has now backed away from his previous calls for Melson's resignation.
[Reports: Fox News | US News and World Report | CBS News | Washington Times]

[8th] A video from 2009 surfaces on youtube in which Deputy AG David Ogden, speaking from the White House, outlines "Fast and Furious"/"Operation Gunrunner" including DEA and ATF involvement. He states that this was being done on orders from President Obama and AG Holder.

[9th] The Greeley Gazette states that Sen. Grassley and Issa have sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, accusing him of issuing "false denials" and "distorting the truth." Also reports that it is "impossible" for Holder not to have known about Gunwalker. The letter was in response to the interview given Issa's Committee by Kenneth Melson, head of the AFT on Independence Day, July 4th. In his testimony before Congress Melson said when he first learned of the operation, he was, “sick to my stomach.” He went on to say that he moved to reassign every manager involved in Fast and Furious; however, he was not allowed to tell Congress of the reason for the reassignments.

[26th] In a first for a major US newspaper, the Deseret News published a multi-page article on Gunwalker. In an exhaustive, beginning to current time account of the scandal they compare it to Watergate and Iran-Contra. They also build a strong, fact based case that the true motive of the program was to create a crisis that would enable a "crackdown on guns in the US" and ensure the confirmation of Andrew Traver as ATF head. The article also reports accusations that Holder is lying about when he knew about the operation.

CNN reports that over 1,400 guns given to criminals under "fast and furious" are still un-recovered.

[26th] The Washington Times reports that the Obama administration sought to intimidate witnesses into not testifying to Congress. They also report that Rep. Isaa is positive that most high level officials in DOJ knew of the program and Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. either knew and misled Congress, or was so out of the loop that he's guilty of mismanagement.

Aug. 2011

[1st] Human Events, in a front page article in its' August 1st edition entitled "Enemy of the State", becomes the latest news outlet to report that the actual goal of Gunwalker was to advance a gun control agenda.

[8th] USA Today prints a factual article on Gunwalker, focusing upon the one gunrunner who bought more than 700 guns with help from the ATF. They report that the gun store owner was concerned about the number of guns he was buying and ATF directed him to keep selling to the known gunrunner. The story also includes quotes from whistle blowing agents.

[11th] The New York Post carries an editorial entitled, "'Fast and furious' failure -- still waiting for accountability". It contains a call for AG Holder to resign.

[12th] The Washington Times reports that Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has written to AG Holder demanding answers, and pointing out that the Justice Department seems to be involved in a cover-up.

[14th] The San Antonio Express News publishes an editorial calling upon the White House and the Justice department to stop stonewalling

[16th] According to the Washington Times and UPI, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted the ATF decision saying, "Until Attorney General (Eric) Holder and Justice Department officials come clean on all alleged gun-walking operations, including a detailed response to allegations of a Texas-based scheme, it is inconceivable to reward those who spearheaded this disastrous operation with cushy desks in Washington."

[17th] Examiner.com, one of the first outlets to break the story, echos the Daily caller report, adding that "Issa, Grassley tell Holder ‘word games’ won’t do"

[17th] Sen. John Cornyn appears on "The Factor" on Fox News. Interview runs 6 minutes. Evidence is that dealers did not want to sell these guns but were directed to do so by ATF. Cornyn is also very upset about more guns turning up at US crime scenes and the ATF "promotions". Republicans on committee will continue investigate until they get to the bottom of the matter. Cornyn believes Gunwalker "goes all the way to the top." He also categorized Eric Holders statements as "unbelievable".

[18th] Tyler TX TV station does an editorial entitled, "A Crying Shame" and concluding that, "Attorney General Eric holder and the rest of high level feds have some explaining to do". They point out that gun dealers tried to stop the sales.

[30th] Rep. Issa appears on the Fox News program "On the Record". He makes it clear that the investigation is not over, that the career employees were sacrificed in order to protect "political appointees", including Lanny Breuer.

[2nd] Politico: Emails show some White House contact on 'Fast and Furious'

[7th] Fox News: Holder Denies Prior Knowledge of 'Fast and Furious'

[9th] Boston Herald | CBS News: Congress expands Fast and Furious probe to include White House Staff

[10th] The Daily Caller: Issa, Grassley take ‘Fast and Furious’ investigation to the White House

[12th] California GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee says Attorney General Eric Holder is "so inept that he may be a danger as attorney general" and that President Barack Obama should consider firing him. Issa also states that the only conceivable reason for the program was to justify gun control in the US.

[15th] Rep. Darrel Issa on Fox News: Fast and Furious: Who In The White House Knew?

[20th] CNSNews.com: Issa Says He Wants a Special Prosecutor to Probe 'Fast and Furious'

[20th] CBS News releases recordings, these include discussions where the head ATF agent discusses their fear of Congressional investigators and their expectation that AG Holder will shut them down. They express no fear of the DOJ Inspector General's investigation. It appears that CBS is either releasing segments as they are reviewed, or they are releasing the least damaging segments first and they are building to the most damaging.

[21st] Fox News reports that Sen. Grassley and Rep. Issa have directly accused the DOJ Inspector General - whose supposed "investigation" has produced zero results - of intentionally obstructing their investigation into Gunwalker. "The two lawmakers leading the probe into the Obama administration scandal claim Justice Inspector General Cynthia Schnedar compromised their investigators' ability to get to the truth and potentially prosecute those responsible for selling thousands of weapons to the Mexican drug cartels." They also allege that, "Schnedar failed to even listen to the recordings before handing them over to the actual targets of the investigation."

[21st] Fox News video: 'Fast and Furious' Coverup? - Rep. Issa details concerns over new details in botched ATF gun running operation. Is a special prosecutor needed?

[23rd] Fox News, in a report entitled, "Republicans Step Up Pressure on Holder as More Details Surface on 'Fast and Furious'", reports that Rep. Lamar Smith, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee wrote to Eric Holder that despite recent personnel changes at the Justice Department the department cannot "pin this scandal on a few individuals and expect it to be forgotten." He also wrote, "Fast and Furious was a result of systemic problems at the ATF. Congressional interest will continue until we fully understand who authorized the failed program." It should be noted that this is the first time the House Judiciary Committee, where any impeachment would begin, has taken interest in Gunwalker. The Fox Report also covers NRA President Wayne LaPierre's speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

[27th] Main Justice Quotes Rep. Issa as saying that the House Oversight and Judiciary committees will hold joint hearings in the near future. They intend to call Eric Holder, Lanny Breuer and former AZ US Attorney Dennis Burke. The continuing reports of Judiciary Committee involvement is a strong indication that this scandal reaches high into the administration. It also takes us one step closer to impeachment.

[28th] Forbes publishes a huge article on Gunwalker. The title: "'Fast And Furious' Just Might Be President Obama's Watergate". In the comprehensive article Forbes links the 90% lie to the ATF program to pump guns into Mexico, arguing that the motive for the program was political, with the goal being the justification of further gun control laws in the US.

[30th] In another classic move to limit news coverage, the White House released some - but not all - of the emails between ATF officials and Presidential aides. In addition to the emails that were not disclosed, the released emails indicate that there were multiple phone calls as well. CBS News - Sharyl Attkisson of CBS, Blogging on Fox News

[2nd] The Washington Times reports on the lack of confirmation hearings for a new ATF director. Since the Democrats control the Senate, it is clear that they do not want to hold a hearing that would force the Senate to face up to Gunwalker.

[3rd] CBS News | FoxNews Video Report: ATF Fast and Furious: New documents show Attorney General Eric Holder was briefed in July 2010

[4th] Fox News: House Republicans Request Special Counsel to Probe Holder on 'Fast and Furious'

[4th] Townhall.com: Obama DOJ, White House, Screaming at Reporter Over Operation Fast and Furious

[6th] The House Oversight and Reform Committee posts a very good video entitled, "Holder vs White House: Who Is Accountable?"

[7th] Fox News: Holder Responds to Attacks Over Fast and Furious (Late in this story proof is offered that the Bush era program "Wide Receiver" was very, very different from Fast and Furious. DOJ memos are shown on screen that prove this. As of today Fox is the ONLY news agency to catch this.

[9th] The Daily Caller: Issa to issue new Fast and Furious subpoenas

[10th] The Hill: Holder has hit new low, Issa charges Issa: "Incredibly, in your letter from Friday you now claim that you were unaware of Fast and Furious because your staff failed to inform you of information contained in memos that were specifically addressed to you,” Issa wrote in his letter, sent to Holder on Sunday but publicly released on Monday. At best, this indicates negligence and incompetence in your duties as attorney general. At worst, it places your credibility in serious doubt.”

[10th] Newsmax: Issa to Holder: You're Incompetent, Untrustworthy Issa: “Whether you realize yet or not, you own Fast and Furious. It is your responsibility. You have made numerous statements about Fast and Furious that have eventually been proven to be untrue. Your lack of trustworthiness while speaking about Fast and Furious has called into question your overall credibility as Attorney General."

[12th] Fox News Video | LA Times : Inside the 'Fast and Furious' Subpoena of Holder

[18th] ABC News: Obama on ‘Fast and Furious’: ‘People Who Have Screwed Up Will Be Held Accountable’

[26th] YouTube/House Oversight and Reform: Issa Grills Obama Homeland Security's Napolitano on Fast and Furious

[31st] Human Events: John Hayward - Fast and Furious: 17 Members of Congress Now Calling For Holder to Resign

[1st] Foxnews: Senator Cornyn on Fox News: New Docs from Justice Department Raise More Questions on Fast & Furious

[1st] Newsmax: 28 GOP Reps Join Call for Holder's Resignation

[1st] The Daily Caller: Holder dumps new Fast and Furious docs as 11 more congressmen call for his resignation

[2nd] The Washington Post: Justice official questioned in Senate about ‘gun walking’ to Mexico

[2nd] Examiner.com: Feinstein may have inadvertently confirmed Gunwalker ulterior motive

[4th] Main Justice: Issa, Grassley Say Sensitive Information About ATF Whistleblower Was Leaked

[8th] Fox News: Fast and Furious 'Worse Than Watergate'?

[8th] Wall Street Journal: Holder regrets misleading Fast and Furious letter

[9th] The Washington Times: Family of slain border agent wants Holder to take responsibility

[9th] The Hill: Issa blasts DOJ over gun-walking letter

[9th] ABA Journal: Ex-US Attorney Admits Leaking Memo Intended to Make ‘Fast and Furious’ Whistle-Blower Look Bad

[10th] The Daily Caller: As a victim's family speaks, 38 congressmen demand Eric Holder's resignation

[14th] The New American: Holder Admits Lies in Fast and Furious, Refuses to Resign

[17th] The Hill: Forty Republicans call for resignation of Eric Holder, Obama's attorney general

[30th] Fox News: Whistleblowers Punished Over Fast and Furious?

[2nd] USA Today -- In a letter last February to Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Justice Department said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had not sanctioned the sale of assault weapons to a straw purchaser and that the agency makes every effort to intercept weapons that have been purchased illegally. In connection with Operation Fast and Furious, both statements have turned out to be incorrect.

[3rd] The Hill -- Over 1,000 pages of emails detail officials' debate on how to defend the ATF.
New documents released Friday night by the Justice Department detail how top officials struggled to respond to Congressional questions about a controversial "gun walking" program, including how the department ultimately gave inaccurate information to Congress.

[3rd] UPI -- High-level U.S. officials made false denials regarding the Fast and Furious gunrunning investigation, documents released by the Obama administration show. The hundreds of documents and e-mails, released Friday, show the false denials about claims made by whistle-blowers in the Fast and Furious investigation came from top officials at the U.S attorney's office in Arizona and at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Politico reported.

[5th] New York Post -- It was all a lie. The angry denials, the high dudgeon, the how-dare-you accuse-us bleating emanating from Eric Holder's Justice Department these last nine months.

[5th] FoxNews Video -- Rep. Jason Chaffetz on Fast and Furious, DOJ withholding of information, lies and deception

[5th] FoxNews Video Report on deceptive letter to Senator Grassley was false. Offensive to the Congress. Investigation may be expanding.

[7th] TPM Mackraker Reports -- "As the President has made clear, he believes Eric Holder is an excellent Attorney General who has his full confidence," White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement to TPM on Wednesday

[8th] The Hill -- Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) the second ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee suggested at a Committee hearing that Congress may impeach Holder if it does not get satisfactory answers about inaccurate statements and information the Department of Justice provided on the operation

[8th] YouTubeVideo of Judiciary Committee Hearings --"How Is It That You & Secretary Napolitano NEVER Discussed Fast And Furious?" Congressman Chaffetz (R-UT)

[8th] YouTubeVideo of Judiciary Committee Hearings -- Issa (R-CA) presses Holder to produce documents, provide logs, claim an exemption, or be in contempt of Congress over the continued DOJ delaying tactics

[8th] YouTubeVideo of Judiciary Committee Hearing -- Issa (R-CA) questions Holder about Fast and Furious and withholding information. Five boxes voluntarily from gun dealers vs. one from DOJ. What does that tell you? He asks.

[8th] Reuters/NY Times -- Holder pummeled, refuses to resign
House Republicans pummeled Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Thursday over the disputed gun-trafficking investigation called Operation Fast and Furious, accusing the Justice Department of hiding the truth and lying to Congress in a slugfest of an oversight hearing. Mr. Holder denied the allegations and declared that he would not resign.

[9th] FoxNewsVideo -- Cornyn: Nobody at DOJ has been held accountable. It took DOJ nine months to admit that they misled Congress. Holder has been obstructing the investigation by Congress.

[14th] CBSNews -- Terry family marks one year anniversary of death of their son, Brian Terry, murdered border patrol agent. 365 days after Terry was shot dead, his family still has few answers.