Reichert Statement on Fast and Furious Contempt Resolution

“As a former police officer, I understand the importance of not only bringing criminals to justice, but also for families of the fallen to have answers. The heart of this case is the loss of U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry.

“The pain that his family has suffered is indescribable. They have lost a beloved son and a father. That pain is exacerbated by the knowledge that he was killed with an American gun. The Terry family deserves answers; today’s vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress is about learning the truth about what happened to their son.

“Any time a case involves a law enforcement officer, I consider it personal. In this case, Brian Terry was murdered while on patrol in Arizona. Two “Fast and Furious” guns were recovered at the scene. I have had the heartbreaking duty of sitting down with families of victims, and sharing with them the facts of their loved ones’ deaths. While painful, the closure of “knowing” brings with it palpable relief. This is not political theater. This is about justice and this is about preventing future tragedies. Perhaps most importantly, this case is about bringing peace to the family of a fallen officer. “