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Subscribe to RSSSources have told NBC news that the shooting at the Mexico border near Naco, Ariz., that killed border patrol agent Nicolas Ivie and wounded two others involved friendly fire. NBC's Mark Potter reports.
Updated at 7:30 p.m. ET: Investigators are preparing to announce that the death of Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Ivie in Arizona earlier this week was the result of friendly fire -- accidental gunfire from another agent who responded to the same scene, state and federal officials told NBC News on Friday.
The conclusion is based on an analysis of the ballistics, the lack of evidence of other criminals in the area at the time, and other factors, the sources said.
The FBI released a statement later on Friday confirming that preliminary evidence showed friendly fire was to blame in the shootings.
"While it is important to emphasize that the FBI's investigation is actively continuing, there are strong preliminary indications that the death of United States Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie and the injury to a second agent was the result of an accidental shooting incident involving only the agents," said James L. Turgal Jr., FBI spokesman, in a statement to NBC News. "At the appropriate time further information will be provided, but while the investigation continues it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."
The incident involving Ivie and two other agents occurred Tuesday in a rugged area about five miles north of the US-Mexico border near Bisbee, Ariz. The agents had responded to an alarm from a sensor that tracks illegal movement along the border.
Gary M. Williams / AP
Christy Ivie, center, wife of Nicholas Ivie, holds back tears as she is surrounded by her father, Tracy Morris, and mother, DeAnn Morris, left, and her sister, Jan Cloward, and brother, Travis Morris, right, during a news conference on Tuesday.
Ivie was killed. A second agent was wounded and was released from the hospital after undergoing surgery. The third agent was unharmed.
State and federal officials said immediately after the incident that the shootings were committed by armed criminals. And since then, Mexican authorities have said they arrested two men in Agua Prieta, northern Sonora state, a few miles from where the shooting occurred.
Pete Williams is NBC News' chief justice correspondent.
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Leave a Comment:
Even as tragic as this incident is, it reassuring to know that our Government is willing to admit to its own mistakes and avoid a coverup. Such honesty and truth-telling is what government in the public interest is all about - integrity.
Get real Tab...our government admit NOTHING...its NBC....But then I m sure You heard the government admit the Muder of Officer Terry,,,No,
When bullets start flying anyone can get hit.
America if you believe this border guard was killed by friendly fire then boy do I have a bridge to sell you! Our government is lying to us. I don't believe it even for a moment.
Right!!! Friendly fire...and Eric Holder and OJ are innocent. OH...and the private sector is doing fine.
ACA is NOT a tax either. And the attacks in Libya...well, they were caused by that damned youtube video
HaHa, now the poor cab drivers that were tortured into confessing by Mexican cops can be set free.
It is difficult to comprehend the intellectual level of a great portion of the comments to this story. The report said that American officials (FBI?) could not RULE OUT the POSSIBILITY OF FRIENDLY FIRE. And does not go one to define what is meant by "friendly fire". That could be additional US immigration agents (although the reports are only about the 3 involved), or it could even be federales or other Mexican officials. The point is that there is A WHOLE LOT NOT YET KNOWN. And for people to start blaming the President and Fast and Furious, well let me suggest that you not stop there but go ahead and attribute it to Sadam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction!
Re-read the article. They do update the text and now it is saying that investigative "sources" have told NBC that they're going to publicly announce that it was friendly fire. The part about "possibility" of friendly fire is no longer what is being reported.
The sad thing is most of the weapons of mass destruction left Iraq before the ground and air war statred and went into Syria. How do I know this I watched them truck the stuff out and into syria. So yes Iraq did have the weapons but once the government was informed of it they did not acknowledge it. Also came face to face with Sarin Gas rounds in Artillery Shells as well in a truck that was taken down before the war started too. The problem is everyone in this country always wants to talk about something they have no actual facts of. Then they want to blame someone. For 8 years Blame Bush then when Obama gets into office blame Bush some more. Now we are Blamming Obama for everything. Instead of Blamming everyone do something about it. Probably needs to be a revolution in this country and out the government and start over again.
I love this country cuz the truth was reported.
Dave: Do You live in USA???
Anytime someone screws up, the person at the top is to blame. However, with the alyers and layers of management above the Border patrol, you have to say that while Obama's lack of policies is somewhat to blame, I think that this was a case of wrong place at the wrong time. Accidents still happen and sorting out blame now isn't going to bring him back, nor will it prevent a similar occurance in the future.
That being said, I don't let Obama off the hook that easily. Not for the Border Patrol agent, but for the 4 deaths in Libya. His arrogance coupled with Hillary's negligence constitutes criminally negligent homicide-- depraved indifference. For this crime, he and Hillary should be tried as soon as President Romney appoints a repalcement for Attorney General in January, and then Eric Holder should face many charges on his own.
since a lot of border guards are mexican "americans" it is strange a white guy got shot. hmmmm maybe he waltzed into the other guards getting paid off?? maybe that is why two mexicans were arrested in mexico over it
No more lies from NBC.....lets hear it from an agent that was there.
Our Socialist Muslim President knew it would bring up his administrations involvement in selling arms to Mexican Drug thugs (Fast & Furious)and they didn't want that in the headlines 30 days before elections. Its just more of the same with this President. No regard for the deceased families, just full speed with his attempt to bamboozle the public and try to get re-elected.
Thank you Brandy from Round Rock. They didn't just ride out there @ 2:00 in the morning for no reason. So who shot who? The one that wasn't hurt? We're not getting the whole story. The headline today is bigger than Tuesday morning's when word broke of the killing of the Border Agent. Yep, something's very fishy. NBC news is breaking a story that hasn't broken yet. Why? They even say "sources" tell us "Investigators are preparing to announce" - but they haven't yet. Janet's down here today poking around - because it's "friendly fire"? That got her on plane to Tucson? No matter what the investigators say for now I think this story will be growing legs just like Fast & Furious did - later on.
Our borders have been a minimal topic under the current administration. For those of you whining about "blaming Obama" we apologize-sort of, but leadership can be blamed when the standards are as low as they have been. I can't think of another "super power" that can boast bent chain link fences as a means for protection- I have seen them in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo. It's inexcusable.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
When Mexico needs to be making an arrest, it is not good to be walking down a street.
Ok, let me get this correct so I am not too confused... First State and Federal officials stated the agents were shot by Mexican criminals. Then the President loses the debate. Then Mexico arrests the criminals. Then it is leaked to .... NBC .... by "sources" that not one, but two agents were shot by friendly fire based on a lack of criminals... Dang. Now everyone will start arguing over what is true and what is not and forget all about the Presidents failed border policies and the families will probably be left wondering forever like the President has done to other families. This is so wrong. We will never get the truth, but we should at least have some concern for the families. This is sad.
Interesting isn't it?
Sad someone died. Seems to be easy to blame someone else.
This family sure better not stand back and accept that BULL CRAP ANSWER, I WOULDn't believe those governmental liars what so ever. research and learn what b.s. your government is feeding you.
This stinks to high heaven. There is some bs in this whole story somewhere. How do border agents get shot in friendly fire. How do they arrest 2 innocent people that quickly saying they did it. How can the trip censors go off but not have any sign of someone being there. Maybe it was the same terrorists who hit Libya. This goofball we have in office now had better get a handle on all this and show he is capable of running this country or all he!! is going to break loose in this country. The waccos are coming and we are looking the other way.
Wait, wait. How is this being blamed on republicans? Last I heard this was a democrat controlled government, who released the story. So now they are spinning it and trying to change another story of a miserable phuc up? Give me a break. This regime must go so we can reclaim some sanity in this country. 300 million people being led around by the nose by this lying moron is just outrageous.
Just seems odd that a sensor alerted them to check the area for the people who set it off, they show up what, one at a time apparently, and shoot each other, with no one else around, a month before an election, with Fast and Furious still not fully investigated and explained and the whole thing is sorted out and 'proven' in a week even though all the guns in question are American.... But, as the president is a messiah we need not question I suppose. whew, glad that is all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. Now we (but not likely the media) can focus on what all happened in Libya.............................
It is difficult to grasp the intellectual level of a large portion of the comments to this news report. The report simply was that officials (presumably FBI) could not RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF FRIENDLY FIRE. But for those folks who want to blame this tragedy on the President and "Fast and Furious", why stop there. I am will to bet that folks smarter than I (John Stewart are you listening) can find just as strong a link to blame in Sadam Hussein and his "Weapons of Mass Destruction". And what did we accomplish with that war?
And just who was the "leaker" to NBC??? Seems to me the administration just got done telling everyone that there were no leaks in the government for political reasons.... they should be found, fired, and put out in the public eye..... oh, wait.... they may spill the beans if that happens...
Something stinks here and I think it is coming from the W.H. Obama and Mexico need to coordinate their lies/stories.
tea billy moron
I do not understand,....cow boys against cow boys???...how is that possible??.....no way!!!!
What the heck has happened to our GOV. We need the Militia to keep them honest.
Loaded for bear and ready to shoot at anything... apparently...Jesus! How sad for this man's family.
The folks in AZ like that Jan Brewer lock and load mentality... and the tea billies will turn it into some sort of political fodder.