MOYOCK, N.C.
Federal agents raided Blackwater Worldwide in Moyock this week as part of an investigation into whether the private security company avoided federal gun laws to purchase dozens of automatic rifles.
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrived unannounced at Blackwater's corporate headquarters on Tuesday and seized 22 automatic weapons - 17 AK-47s and five Bushmaster rifles - Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell confirmed Thursday.
The firm cooperated fully with investigators, she said.
The seized guns were owned by the Camden County Sheriff's office but were kept at Blackwater under an agreement with the law enforcement agency.
The company signed contracts in summer 2005 stating that Blackwater purchased 17 Romanian AK-47 rifles and 17 Bushmaster XM15 E2S rifles for the sheriff's department's use. A dozen Bushmasters are assigned to Camden County deputies, according to the department.
The agreements give the sheriff's office unlimited access to the weapons for "training and qualification, and state of emergency use."
They were signed by Blackwater president Gary Jackson and Camden County Sheriff Maj. Jon Worthington. Worthington said he was also employed by Blackwater as a weapons instructor until November 2007.
Federal law prohibits private parties from purchasing automatic weapons, with few exceptions. The ATF did not return phone messages seeking comment.
Camden County Attorney John Morrison said the county was cooperating with the federal authorities. The weapons were used only for training Camden County officers, he said.
"All aspects of our contract with a local sheriff's department are valid and lawful," Tyrrell said. The company is licensed to sell, provide training on, or manufacture weapons, she said. She did not know which specific licenses the company holds.
The company invited ATF agents to conduct a full audit of its weapons program at its Moyock headquarters in 2005, she said. The federal agents were aware of the automatic weapons, which were kept in a secure armory, Tyrrell said.
Although the U.S. Department of State recently renewed its contract with the firm, it has drawn criticism for its tactics. It is being investigated for a September shooting in Baghdad in which 17 civilians were killed by Blackwater guards at a busy traffic intersection.
This report contains information from The Associated Press.
Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2322, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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Raid on Blackwater
I think it's amazing, if true, that a raid could be accomplished by ATF without a leak to Blackwater. Regardless, it's too easy to point fingers when we don't know all the facts. As much as I detest war and mercenaries (isn't that really what they are?), if my husband opts to head to Iraq, I will be grateful Blackwater folks will be protecting him.
The name "mercenary" seems to be
the buzz word for Blackwater by some. There are good and bad teachers, good and bad policemen, good and bad store clerks, good and bad PEOPLE in general. I am sure there are good, and yes, some bad people within the organization of Blackwater. Some bad people do not make the whole organization bad. Apparently our military believes in Blackwater since they continue to work closely with them. The mastermind of Blackwater was a seal himself. That is good enough for me to support them.
Who do you think employs
Who do you think employs Blackwater? If there was no demand for their services they would not be in business. They train the people that keep you safe. Remember the ones that are fighting and losing their live so you can live here and be ignorant. The purpose of the Second Ammendment was so the government could not get to powerful. Have you forgoten why this country was founded? I will give you a hint it wasn't because there wasn't enough laws in England. I know that much and I was a D student.
Blackwater
Now before you start calling Blackwater employees "names" for being paid killers or whatever, lets get one thing straight. These folks are normally EX-MILITARY special forces. Blackwater pays people who are trained in special warfare MORE than the military does for the same work. If you were offered 30k by one company and 60k from another to do the same job, which one would you choose? If you chose the job that pays 60K can I call you names?
Crazyted
"As for Blackwater, they also train the military and police departments down there to do their job. I know first hand about how their training can save an officer's life while on the job fighting crime so those liberals can have the freedom to post comments."
Blackwater will wait a long time before I thank a bunch of mercenaries
for anything.
Blackwater
Blackwater does not defend the consitution. They are a private company. Our soldiers are the defenders of the constitution. Get it straight.
Blackwater
Blackwater does not defend the consitution. They are a private company. Our soldiers are the defenders of the constitution. Get it straight.
Hero's
Thank you Blackwater for all you do and the service you provide. The cry babies in this country will never understand.
private armies
The fact that a private army exists on the Virginia Carolina boarder should be a cause of concern for any believer in democracy. People who will fight for highest bidder are properly called "mercenaries". Mercenaries do not appear in a positive light when viewed thru the lens of history. With any luck Barack Obama will dismantle this mistake before it’s too late. And before any of you AM radio heads call my opinion liberal, please review your American history. We fight mercenaries we have from the beginning. Democracy is the greatest motivator of human good. This country must continue to spread democracy through example and not let the actions of paid gunmen sully our reputation.
Focalpoint
Might want to check the facts.
Federal law does not prohibit individuals from purchasing automatic weapons. If you have the proper ATF permit you can purchase fully automatic weapons.
As for Blackwater, they also train the military and police departments down there to do their job. I know first hand about how their training can save an officer's life while on the job fighting crime so those liberals can have the freedom to post comments.
Not equivalent
How can anyone compare the decision of the supreme court in the DC handgun case to Federal Authorities raiding Blackwater for illegally storing automatic weapons???? They are in no way related, nor does one have any bearing on the other.
Not the Collective
So we are to assume from the obviously liberal posters on here that Blackwater is not supposed to fire back in self-defense when fired upon? What do you people suggest that they do, fire a warning salvo over the terrorists' heads? You people need to get a life. Better still, suck it up. The Second Amendment means what it says, the individual right to bear arms, not the collective right.
Keep up the good work, Blackwater. You guys are true patriots.
They are not murders...
The dolts who have commented on this article calling Blackwater murderers have no knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Fact, when the crap hits the fan in Iraq and our Marines and Air Force cannot, or will not support their own troops under fire, Blackwater has comes through time and time again delivering ammo and fire support for our brothers in arms. The 2nd amendment was designed to protect us from our Government, not criminals. Blackwater has done more to preserve our freedom than any of the nay sayers who have posted negative comments here. Thank God D.C. residents will now be able to legally defend themselves. Thanks Blackwater for all you do.
Blackwater has done....
...more GOOD in northeastern NC than anyone can ever know. These "shady deals" that the liberal, anti-Blackwater news media talk about are a prime example of good corporate citizens helping out poor NC counties. Blackwater contributes cash to local charitable causes, free use of their facilities to NC's High School Hunter Education Programs and yes, they cooperate with local law enforcement agencies with training and equipment. When this "investigation" is over, you'll probably never hear about it because the lack of findings won't be worthy of flashy, ginned-up headlines (like..."Blackwater Raided")
About the timing...
it has actually been out in the Raleigh News & Observer since Monday. I do think it is unquestionably good that the ruling came today.
I hope all will note and remember that the Second Amendment was upheld by only ONE vote. The judges that are put on the Supreme Court are as important, maybe more important, than the president. It will be important to remember this when Election Day comes.
No clue
I can guarantee that the anti-Blackwater poster have no idea what they are talking about. You will not get the facts(truth) from the newspaper or TV news.
Blackwater
Blackwater and it's employees are nothing more than mentally deficient paid killers. This is the United States of America. We have a military for protection. We don't need the equivalent of a private army operating outside the laws of the country and who think they are not accountable to anyone. Let me tell you when Bush and Chaney are out and the democrats are in Blackwater will be held accountable. To dissolve this bunch of murderers won't come too soon.
Interesting timing
This coming on the day the Supreme Court agreed it unconstitutinal to ban guns in Washington, D.C.
How about doing something
useful like raiding all the trailer parks in the area and checking everyones citizenship status.....I'm sure the feds would find hundreds of criminals who have either entered this country illegally or over stayed their visas. Need a hint? Look at the one on S. Military Hwy. just before G. Washington Blvd. Or look at the one a little further out across from the Military Hwy. exit.
Those "murderers" are
Those "murderers" are protecting your right to make stupid comments.
For 2 cents...
Your opinion regarding Blackwater is right in line with your ability to spell! Do you REALLY think that the folks working for Blackwater are only interested in killing people? Unfortunately, the job these guys do is necessary and someone has to do it. Stop being so self-righteous and remember - WAR IS HELL.
U.S Attorney and ATF Will Be Very Embarrassed
I don't work for Blackwater, but I do know something about the company. I have a feeling when the smoke clears on this issue and the Virginian Pilot prints the facts, if they choose to do those, it will reveal that Blackwater's federal permits for these weapons are in order and no violations have occurred. Anyone willing to take that bet?????
How do they sleep at night?
Murderes. Thats all.