NG helicopter investigation on DC protesters
| Tracking # |
DODOIG-2021-000050 |
| Submitted | Oct. 13, 2020 |
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Communications
From: Paul Szoldra
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the closed report of investigation into the use of helicopter(s) in Washington, D.C. on or around June 1, 2020.
More information on this investigation can be found here:
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/national-guard-helicopter-investigation-dc-protests-delayed
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/politics/helicopter-flying-over-dc-investigation/index.html
It is my understanding that the investigation was carried out by the District of Columbia National Guard but may have been reviewed by the DoD IG.
I also request expedited processing. The records I am requesting are urgently needed by a member of the press to inform the public about actual or perceived government activity — namely, an official military investigation into government activity during a highly-publicized protest in the streets of Washington, D.C. In addition to the extensive public interest in understanding the use of helicopter(s) during the June 1 protest, numerous senior defense officials have said that the investigation would be publicly released months ago. On July 5, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters the investigation would be "coming to a close shortly." And on July 9, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the House Armed Services Committee that the investigation was completed. At the same hearing, Gen. Mark Milley said he expected the investigation to be released "within days, perhaps early next week." The news value of these records will be lost without expedited processing.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Paul Szoldra, Task & Purpose
From: Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General
This message is to confirm your request submission to the FOIAonline application: View Request. Request information is as follows: (https://www.foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/submissionDetails?trackingNumber=DODOIG-2021-000050&type=request)
* Tracking Number: DODOIG-2021-000050
* Requester Name: Paul Szoldra
* Date Submitted: 10/13/2020
* Request Status: Submitted
* Description:
Please See attachment for description.
From: Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General
Your request for Expedited Processing for the FOIA request DODOIG-2021-000050 has been granted.
* Expedited Processing Original Justification:
I also request expedited processing. The records I am requesting are urgently needed by a member of the press to inform the public about actual or perceived government activity — namely, an official military investigation into government activity during a highly-publicized protest in the streets of Washington, D.C. In addition to the extensive public interest in understanding the use of helicopter(s) during the June 1 protest, numerous senior defense officials have said that the investigation would be publicly released months ago. On July 5, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters the investigation would be "coming to a close shortly." And on July 9, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the House Armed Services Committee that the investigation was completed. At the same hearing, Gen. Mark Milley said he expected the investigation to be released "within days, perhaps early next week." The news value of these records will be lost without expedited processing.
* Expedited Processing Disposition Reason:
N/A
From: Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General
Dear Mr. Szoldra:
Attached please find our acknowledgement letter pertaining to your FOIA request.
v/r
ERIC R. POWERS
Government Information Specialist
Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Freedom of Information Act
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350-1500
This e-mail is from the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense, and may contain information that is "Law Enforcement Sensitive" {LES} or "For Official Use Only" {FOUO} or otherwise subject to the Privacy Act and/or legal and or other privileges that restrict release without appropriate legal authority.
From: Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General
Dear Mr. Szoldra:
Attached please find our response to your FOIA request.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
DoD OIG FOIA Team
FOIA, Privacy and Civil Liberties Office
Department of Defense
Office of Inspector General
4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite 10B24
Alexandria, VA 22350-1500
Office Phone: (703) 604-9775
Office Fax: (571) 372-7498
Email: foiarequests@dodig.mil
This e-mail is from the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense, and may contain information that is "Law Enforcement Sensitive" {LES} or "For Official Use Only" {FOUO} or otherwise subject to the Privacy Act and/or legal and or other privileges that restrict release without appropriate legal authority.
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