Critz Comments on the Resignation of ATF Director

Statement

Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) issued the following statement today in response to the recent resignation of Kenneth Melson, Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF):

"ATF's flawed gun-trafficking initiative, known as "Project Gunrunner" and "Operation Fast and Furious," allowed thousands of firearms to fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels and criminals," said Critz. "This disastrous tactic put American lives at risk, and we must continue to investigate this serious allegation of federal law enforcement misconduct."

In June, Critz joined 30 Democrats in sending a letter to President Obama expressing concerns over the lack of response to Congressional inquiries into the ATF's "Project Gunrunner" and "Operation Fast and Furious." These programs allowed suspected weapons smugglers to buy large quantities of firearms illegally, in hopes of tracking the guns to drug cartel leaders. These weapons have been tied to violent crimes in the United States and two of these weapons were recovered at the murder scene of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent last December.

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