Report to House says Blackwater fired 122 for misconduct in Iraq
WASHINGTON - Blackwater USA, the private security contractor under scrutiny for its role in a deadly Baghdad shootout in September, has sacked 122 of its armed guards in Iraq since it started protecting US diplomats there nearly three years ago, congressional investigators said yesterday.
The firings, most frequently for weapons-related matters, amount to more than one-seventh of Blackwater's current workforce in Iraq. None of the people fired has been subject to legal proceedings or other sanction, the investigation found.
The disclosures came in a memorandum about the investigation by aides to Representative Henry A. Waxman, Democrat of California and chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on Blackwater today. Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL and Blackwater's founder, is expected to appear.
The allegations, which the committee said are backed by thousands of documents, depict a security enterprise that almost routinely opens fire in Iraq's streets, occasionally attempts to cover up its transgressions, and frequently is protected from censure and prosecution by US State Department overseers.
The memo describes instances in which Blackwater guards eagerly rush to battles involving US soldiers; plow their armored trucks into civilian vehicles for no apparent reason; and leave scenes of violence without assisting wounded civilians.
In the 15-page memo, Waxman's staff said State Department officials ignored misconduct by Blackwater or - in at least one high-profile instance - were directly involved in making sure a Blackwater employee accused of killing an Iraqi guard while intoxicated was flown out of the country fewer than 36 hours after the shooting.
"Even in cases involving the death of Iraqis, it appears that the State Department's primary response was to ask Blackwater to make monetary payments to 'put the matter behind us,' " the memo said.
It added that the most serious consequence for misconduct appeared to be termination of employment.
Of the 122 firings, 28 were for weapons-related matters, including two for improperly shooting at Iraqis and one for threatening Iraqis with a firearm. Another 25 people were discharged for drug and alcohol violations, and 16 for "inappropriate/lewd conduct." Ten others were dismissed for aggressive and violent behavior.
Most of Blackwater's armed contractors in Iraq are former US military service members, including many who served in Special Forces units. Blackwater insists, however, that it does not directly recruit from active duty military personnel.
A State Department spokesman would not comment on the specific allegations made in the Waxman memo. A Blackwater spokeswoman said she expected the issues to be addressed by officials at today's hearing.
The congressional allegations are particularly sensitive in the aftermath of the Sept. 16 shooting, in which Iraqi officials have accused Blackwater contractors of firing without provocation. The Iraqi government has attempted to strip the company of its ability to do business in the country, alleging Blackwater guards repeatedly have shot at civilians with impunity.
Blackwater and the State Department say a diplomatic convoy was ambushed in the event, and that Blackwater guards only returned fire after being fired upon.
In a new development, the FBI said yesterday it was sending investigators to Iraq to assist in the probe. A spokesman said the assistance was being sent at the request of the State Department.
