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Grand Jury Impanelled for Blackwater Iraq Shootings
Apparently The New York Times correctly reported that an as-yet-unfinished FBI investigation into the Nisour Square shootings considers Blackwater to have fired without provocation. ABC News reports that a grand jury in Washington D.C. is considering some kind of indictment for the guard who fired on an Iraqi traffic circle, resulting in 17 dead Iraqis.
A number of Blackwater security guards assigned to the ill-fated convoy have been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury next week.A Department of Justice spokesperson, Dean Boyd, said, "We do not comment on grand jury investigations."
But sources familiar with the Blackwater case say the guards called to testify were, while present, not those who allegedly fired on any civilians.
According to statements given to State Department diplomatic security agents, obtained by ABCNews.com, only five guards admitted to firing their weapons.
Will there be indictments? Stay tuned.
Comments (5)
TheraP wrote on November 19, 2007 4:36 PM:Let us remember that, once empowered, a Grand Jury can take upon itself to investigate further, wider, deeper - the so called "runaway Grand Jury" that becomes aware of its power and its reach and decides to keep digging into the Muck.
I have my hopes up! Ordinary citizens, with powers of subpoena. Yes!
kenga wrote on November 19, 2007 4:44 PM:Thera - so the Grand Jury could conceivably begin digging into no-bid contracts, among other things?
TheraP wrote on November 19, 2007 5:38 PM:That could be cool. So would seeing Cheney caught at the event horizon of such a Grand Jury.
Yes, Grand Juries have immense power. Once empaneled, they can decide to do a lot of things. Usually they follow advice of the Presecutor. But it's not inconceivable that these citizens could become interested in a whole lot of other stuff. Maybe "their inquiring minds want to know..."
I'm rooting for the Grand Jury! And Justice. And the Rule of Law!
brian wrote on November 19, 2007 7:57 PM:TheraP : yes ! It is best to hope for the best ... the system works, when it is allowed to work.
Is jurisdiction a problem here ?
I know it says 'grand jury' - but no one has to say anything about a 'ham sandwich' please.
kisss wrote on November 19, 2007 9:04 PM:I want this