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Blackwater 'Cowboys' Faster on Trigger

Have been in twice as many shootings as other security firms in Iraq

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2007 10:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – The US security firm being investigated in an Iraqi operation earlier this month that killed at least 11 civilians has been involved in twice as many shootings as other companies providing protection to American officials in Iraq, the New York Times reports. Guards working for Blackwater killed 10 and wounded 15 in six other shootings, which are also being investigated.

Some say Blackwater encourages a quick-draw culture among its employees. “You can find any number of people who will tell you that Blackwater promotes a much more aggressive response than other contractors,” said a senior American official. One Democratic lawmaker called Blackwater guards "cowboy guys" who are alienating Iraqis. "They're repeat offenders, and yet they continue to prosper," she said.

Hassan Jabir, 37, recovers from gunshot wounds in a hospital in Baghdad, Iraq on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Jabir, a lawyer, says he was in his car in the Mansour neighborhood when guards in a U.S. State... (Associated Press)

Blackwater CEO and founder Erik Prince listens during a panel discussion on protecting people and physical security hosted by North Carolina Technology Association in Cary, N.C., Thursday, June 7, 2007.... (Associated Press)

(Getty Images)

Blackwater US private security contractors securing the site where a roadside bomb exploded near the Iranian embassy in central Baghdad, 05 July 2005. Blackwater was back on the streets of Baghdad 21... (Getty Images)

An Iraqi traffic policeman inspects a car destroyed four days ago by a Blackwater security detail in al-Nisoor Square in Baghdad, Iraq on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Contractors protecting a U.S. State... (Associated Press)

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Blackwater 'Cowboys' Faster on Trigger

Have been in twice as many shootings as other security firms in Iraq

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Rice Sets New Rules for Guards

But Blackwater may still get the ax

Audits Rip Fed Oversight of Security Firms, Costs

Lax controls, slopping accounting

Blackwater Guards Keeping Iraq Jobs

Loss of contract means many guards will just change uniforms

US Seeks Iraqi Authority to Continue War

Agreement would not need ratification

US Military to Oversee Blackwater Convoys

Defense Dept. wins tug of war with State for control of contractors

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Blackwater 'Cowboys' Faster on Trigger

Have been in twice as many shootings as other security firms in Iraq

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Private Armies

Iraq • Pentagon • Robert Gates • State Department • Blackwater • Sean McCormack • DynCorp International • Triple Canopy • Erik Prince • Nisour

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Rice Sets New Rules for Guards

But Blackwater may still get the ax

Audits Rip Fed Oversight of Security Firms, Costs

Lax controls, slopping accounting

Blackwater Guards Keeping Iraq Jobs

Loss of contract means many guards will just change uniforms

US Seeks Iraqi Authority to Continue War

Agreement would not need ratification

US Military to Oversee Blackwater Convoys

Defense Dept. wins tug of war with State for control of contractors

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?