The U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog faulted 14 federal employees on Wednesday for the botched anti-gun-trafficking effort known as "Operation Fast and Furious," prompting two senior officials to leave the government but clearing Attorney General Eric Holder of any wrongdoing.
Congressional Republicans during a series of hearings investigating the failed operation sharply criticized Holder, the nation's top law-enforcement official appointed by President Barack Obama, during this year's presidential campaign. One U.S. agent was killed in Arizona, potentially in connection with the operation.
The new report from the department's Inspector General found screw-ups of "systemic" scope that risked public safety but found no cover-up, as charged by Republicans.
That, and a statement supportive of the report from Holder's main Republican accuser, Representative Darrell Issa, seems likely to defuse what could have been a politically explosive conclusion to the probe.
Two senior department officials left the government as the report was made public. Kenneth Melson, former head of the U.S. agency that enforces gun laws, retired, while Jason Weinstein, responsible for oversight of many criminal-related matters, resigned.
The highest official to be criticized, Lanny Breuer, the assistant attorney general in charge of criminal prosecutions, has been "admonished," said a department official.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/19/us-usa-politics-fastandfurious-idUSBRE88I16B20120919
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