BATFE Whistleblower Can Now Publish "Fast and Furious" Book

Last week, we reported on the latest news regarding the deadly Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' "Fast and Furious" gun-walking scandal, noting a Washington Times article that detailed how the BATFE was, "blocking the main whistleblower in the Fast and Furious case from publishing a book for pay, claiming his retelling of the Mexico 'gun‑walking' scandal will hurt morale inside the embattled law enforcement agency."   In a letter to the whistleblower--Agent John Dodson--BATFE said that if he publishes his book, it "would have a negative impact on morale in the Phoenix [BATFE office] and would have a detremental [sic] effect on our relationships with [the Drug Enforcement Administration] and FBI."

We also noted that the American Civil Liberties Union joined the case and sent a letter to the BATFE, stating that preventing Dodson from publishing his book violates his First Amendment rights.

This week, ABC News reports that the BATFE has changed course--to a degree--and has now approved publication of Dodson's book. 

According to the article, the Justice Department said BATFE was notifying the ACLU on Wednesday that agent Dodson may publish the book, but that a few parts will be redacted for law-enforcement reasons.

The article goes on to note that it is still unclear whether Dodson will be allowed to be paid for the book, but that the Justice Department's ethics office will eventually make a final determination regarding that issue.

"The Unarmed Truth" is scheduled for publication in December.