WASHINGTON, 15 November 2007 — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has found that the killing of at least 14 of the 17 Iraqi civilians shot by Blackwater Worldwide security guards was unjustified and broke rules for using deadly force on Sept. 16.
The shootings took place in Nisoor Square in Baghdad. Blackwater said its guards opened fire when they perceived a security threat to their four-car convoy, and denied any wrongdoing; but the Iraqi government’s investigation concluded that the shootings were unprovoked.
The shootings caused major outrage in Iraq, where the government had initially threatened to expel all Blackwater employees from the country. Witnesses say the 17 victims were killed when employees of the US company opened fire indiscriminately and without provocation. One guard has become the focus of the investigation because that guard is being held responsible for several deaths.
A government official familiar with the investigation reportedly said no conclusions had been reached about any of the fatalities and a US State Department official said he was not aware that the department had been informed of any findings.
Investigators said in a report now under review by the Justice Department as many as five of the company’s guards opened fire during the shootings, and as many as 14 of the deaths were unnecessary, the New York Times reported yesterday.
Reports said that the US Justice Department was already reviewing the findings even though the FBI was still investigating the shootings. The FBI has reportedly concluded, however, that three of the deaths may have been justified under rules that allow the use of lethal force in response to an imminent threat.
“We’ve always supported any productive moves toward accountability, including Congressman Price’s bill,” said Tyrrell, the Blackwater spokeswoman.
A separate US military review of the shootings concluded all of the killings were unjustified and potentially criminal, the Times said, although prosecutors have yet to decide whether to seek indictments.
State Department officials have said it has offered limited immunity to private security contractors involved in shootings in Iraq.
They disagreed with law enforcement officials that such actions could jeopardize prosecutions in the Sept. 16 incident.
Rep. David Price, D-NC, sponsored legislation to extend US criminal law to contractors serving overseas, and said he hopes new Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who was sworn in yesterday, would make the issue “a top priority.”
Paul Cox, a spokesman for Price, said late Tuesday: “We don’t have any independent verification of this. I don’t have any access to the report.”
