Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has asked President Obama to appoint an independent counsel to investigate whether Attorney General Eric Holder “committed perjury” during an investigation into the gun-trafficking operation called Fast and Furious. At a May hearing, Holder testified that he had only recently heard about the matter, but Smith produced documents suggesting that Holder was informed in 2010. During the sting, agents lost track of hundreds of guns, two of which were found at the scene where a Border Patrol agent was killed. Holder’s testimony “was consistent and truthful,” said a Justice Department spokeswoman.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.