ATF OK'ed Blackwater Weapons in 2005 - But Won't Comment Today

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) isn't talking after Blackwater said the company had invited ATF to search and inventory all weapons on its premises, including the controversial automatic weapons.

And the feds are saying NOTHING about the fact that Blackwater had alerted them in 2005 to the criminal activity of two employees who had operated the company's armory, fired the employees, and cooperated with federal prosecutors.

"When these guys were fired, we invited ATF in to do a full search of everything we possessed," Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell tells reporters. "They did a full audit, and those weapons were there at the time." ATF had no objection when Blackwater informed them about the arms, as it took no action. Blackwater says it is in full compliance with all firearms laws.

Now, after making the stink about the recent "raid," ATF and US Attorney George Holding aren't talking, according to the Associated Press. ATF has failed to return phone calls from reporters.

What are they trying to hide?

Blackwater Has Federal License to Sell, Manufacture, and Train With Automatic Weapons

What's the scandal about Blackwater storing licensed automatic weapons that it bought for the local sheriff? Probably not much, as Blackwater has long had permits to sell and manufacture automatic weapons, and to provide training on their proper use. Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell tells ABC News,

"All aspects of our contract with a local Sherriff's Department are valid and lawful. Some of the same ATF agents involved in the current inquiry have long been aware of this arrangement as a result of visits to our facility and audits of our firearms programs at Blackwater's request. As a company that is fully licensed to sell, provide training on, or even manufacture weapons - including machine guns - we have worked closely with the ATF to ensure we are in compliance with all applicable federal firearms laws. We look forward to cooperating with the government to resolve this allegation."