The Senate's top Democrat called on the U.S. government Sunday to step up its efforts to investigate the deaths of Americans who traveled to the Dominican Republic and is asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to get involved. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the agency should
NEW YORK — The Senate's top Democrat called on the U.S. government Sunday to step up its efforts to investigate the deaths of Americans who traveled to the Dominican Republic and is asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to get involved.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the agency should step in to lend investigative support to the FBI and local law enforcement officials after at least eight Americans died in the Dominican Republic this year. Family members of the tourists have called on authorities to investigate whether there's any connection between the deaths and have raised the possibility the deaths may have been caused by adulterated alcohol or misused pesticides.
The ATF — the agency primarily investigates firearms-related crimes but is also charged with regulating alcohol and tobacco — is uniquely positioned to provide technical and forensic expertise in the investigation, Schumer said. The agency also has offices in the Caribbean. "Given that we still have a whole lot of questions and very few answers into just what, if anything, is cause for the recent spate of sicknesses and several deaths of Americans in the Dominican Republic, the feds should double their efforts on helping get to the bottom of things," Schumer said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Five of the autopsies were complete as of last week, while three were undergoing further toxicological analysis with the help from the FBI because of the circumstances of the deaths.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Schumer: ATF should investigate Dominican Republic deathsNEW YORK (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat called on the U.S. government Sunday to step up its efforts to investigate the deaths of Americans who traveled to the Dominican Republic and is asking...
Read more »
Alleged mastermind in David Ortiz shooting is arrested in Dominican RepublicAn alleged mastermind in the shooting of former baseball star David Ortiz was arrested in the Dominican Republic, police there said
Read more »
Alleged organizer in David Ortiz shooting arrested in Dominican RepublicAuthorities said that the man planned a hit on his cousin but that Ortiz was shot in a case of mistaken identity.
Read more »
“Schumer F--ked Us”: Progressives Rage at Leadership Over Border BillPelosi is struggling to hold her caucus together over a spending bill that progressives see as a capitulation to Trump.
Read more »
Amy Schumer Shares Sweet New Photo of Baby GeneThe 38-year-old comedienne and actress and husband Chris Fischer welcomed their son, their first child, seven weeks ago.
Read more »
Liberal New Republic Wants An Income Inequality Editor: Part-Time, No BenefitsThe New Republic touts its devotion to income inequality in a recent job ad for an editor to cover the topic. Only, the demanding part-time position without benefits is likely to turn the successful candidate into a case study.
Read more »