Friday, February 3, 2012

Slain U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry Deserves Much More Than This!

I imagine that most of us already know about the killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, but just in case you don't here are the basic facts surrounding his murder (as I understand them):

On December 14, 2010, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry was on patrol with three other agents in Peck Canyon, near Rio Rico, Arizona. The agents spotted a group of five suspected illegal aliens and at least two of these subjects were carrying rifles. Although the border patrol agents did identify themselves as federal agents, the suspects did not drop their weapons and at least one of them fired at the agents, who then returned fire. Agent Terry was hit and his wounds ultimately proved to be fatal.

While most of the suspected aliens fled the scene, one of them had been wounded and he was taken into custody. His name was Manual Osorio-Arellanes. As the suspects fled the scene they dropped their weapons, apparently so they could flee the scene faster. Two of these recovered weapons were AK-47 style rifles that had been bought back on January 16, 2010, by an individial named Jaime Avila.

Enter the A.T.F. (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and their botched gun-smuggling probe nicknamed "Fast and Furious." I don't profess to be even remotely familiar with all the aspects of this complex operation and I imagine most ordinary individuals are just like me --- in the dark. Hell, even now, over thirteen full months after Border Patrol Agent Terry's murder, even members of the U.S. Congress can't get all the facts from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his Justice Department. Congress has legitimate oversight authority and they have demanded all pertinent documents pertaining to "Fast and Furious," but they are being stonewalled and it's my understanding that they have received less than 10% of the total documents they demanded.

But, what is known, or what has been reported in the media however, is mind-boggling! Even before Border Patrol Agent Terry's murder, the A.T.F. were well aware of the subect Avila. In fact, he had been a frequent purchaser of weapons via the "Fast and Furious" fiasco and he was apparently first entered as a suspect in the A.T.F. investigation back in November of 2009. Without going into great detail, let me just say that one of Avila's apparent associates was a guy named Uriel Patino. According to reports, as part of "Fast and Furious" Avila's gun purchases would eventually total fifty-two (52). Incredible! But, what's even more incredible is that Patino's "Fast and Furious" purchases would eventually top 660 guns. 660 guns? That can't be right, can it? 660 is almost enough guns to equip a military battalion in the U.S. Army.

The death of Border Agent Brian Terry was a tragedy that never should have happened! What is also inexcusable, and maybe even criminal too, is the fact that even after thirteen months has gone by, we still do not know the full and honest story behind this mismanaged and ill-conceived operation. And, as absurd and unbelievable as it is, Attorney General Eric Holder still maintains he had no previous knowledge regarding this "Fast and Furious" fiasco. I believe Mr. Holder is lying.


Apparently the mother of Border Agent Terry thinks this too. On her Facebook page Mrs. Terry posted, "THIS IS FOR YOU SON." The rest of her message read:

"Mr. Holder. How come you can never say my son's name. You never have. All I ever hear you say is 'I didn't find out or I can't say' I'm actually tired of hearing your double talk in answering questions. What a joke you are. You know my son was a real AMERICAN, a WARRIOR, and a HERO, who was also protecting COWARD POLITICIANS like you. Hope you remember that."

Mrs. Terry signed her message, "PROUD MOM OF BRIAN A. TERRY."

Mrs. Terry, I couldn't have said it any better. Yes, your son Brian Terry WAS a real American Hero. And, he and his memory deserve so much more than what is happening now.

Note: The family of slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry has now filed a $25 million wrongful death claim against the federal government. Their main argument is that the federal government (A.T.F. and/or the Justice Dept.) was extremely negligent because United States investigators allowed dangerous weapons into the hands of criminals, some of who were violent repeat offenders, and as a result Brian Terry was murdered.

Mrs. Terry, I hope you get every penny, but I doubt that you will. I also know that no amount of money will every bring your loving son back to you.

Gary P. Jones, Captain [retired]
Fort Lauderdale Police Department

author of book: Badge 149 - "Shots Fired!"
www.badge149.com

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