Justice Dept. releases more 'Fast and Furious' documents

The Justice Department released almost 500 pages of documents late Friday night to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for its investigation of Operation “Fast and Furious,” according to several press reports.

The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau’s botched gun-tracking operation led to hundreds of illegal weapons that were bought in the United States then trafficked to Mexico. The operation has triggered a probe by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the panel’s chairman.

Among the Justice documents is an email that says U.S. Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer suggested in an early 2011 meeting that the illegal weapons could be intercepted if Mexico and the United States worked together, according to CNN. Breuer “suggested allowing straw purchasers cross into Mexico so [Mexican federal police] can arrest and [the Mexican attorney general's office] can prosecute and convict.”

Breuer made the suggestion to Mexican officials because it “may send a strong message to arms traffickers,” according to the Associated Press. 

On Thursday, Attorney General Eric Holder will testify before the committee regarding the operation.

The late Friday night release of the documents frustrated some on Capitol Hill. In a tweet Saturday, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) said Justice was stonewalling him and Issa in their investigation.

“DOJ stonewalls Issa and me on FAST&Furious Evn when DOJ gives Docs we get email Fri nite saying they deliver disc under door at nite COME ON,” Grassley tweeted.

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