Perry Attacks Holder, Obama at Law Enforcement Conference

In the huge ball room of the historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Rick spoke to the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation in an event to honor the nation's police and military personnel on Friday. In his speech to the hundreds of law enforcement that lined the room, Rick Perry criticized Eric Holder and the Fast and Furious Operation.

Rick Perry was introduced by the president of the foundation, Anthony Bergamo and received the State Service Award. At the podium, Perry thanked the men and women of law enforcement, but also took the time to take shots at Attorney General Eric Holder and the failed operation Fast and Furious.

Through the ill-conceived operation known as Fast and Furious, our own federal government provided more than 2,000 firearms to some of the most dangerous criminal organizations in North America, most of which remain unaccounted for, said Perry. Federal law enforcement officials deserve an attorney general who displays the same courage and a sense of responsibility for which they serve.

The fallout from the shooting death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry by Mexican drug cartels shined light into the covert operation known as Fast and Furious. Fast and Furious was an attempt by the ATF to track weapons purchased in the US that fell into the hands of Mexican drug lords. The plan was to build a case against the high ranking members in the drug cartels. However, the ATF, who was conducting the operation, lost track of nearly 1,400 guns.

Perry continued to attack President Obama saying that his policies toward immigration have made the border less safe.

To say that the border is safer than ever is to run a blind eye to the very dangers that federal and state and local law enforcement continue to face as a result of Washington's failure, he said. Even worse, it sweeps aside the fact that there is a bureaucratic bungling which has made the border substantially more dangerous.

As he continued his speech, he discussed minimizing the role of the federal government, while pushing his new Uproot and Overhaul Washington plan. Perry scoffed at the permanent political class in the government and was very critical of any member of Congress who uses their power to make off of the stock market, saying they should be in jail. Those statements come after the release of a new book, Throw Them All Out, detailing how prominent members from the Senate and House of Representatives used inside knowledge to trade stocks.

Then there are those who believe, as I do, that Washington is too broken to be fixed by tinkering at the margins. I do not believe Washington needs a new coat of paint. It needs a complete overhaul. We need to uproot, tear down and rebuild Washington, D.C. and our federal institutions, said Perry. The conclusion, Perry's speech was marked with an enthusiastic applause from the officers.

It was very good. He is a great candidate, said Jeff Scoss of the U.S. Marshals.

Admiral William H. McRaven, a four-admiral serving as Commander for the Joint Special Operations Command was also honored for his service and dedication. In his speech, he thanked all those who served, whether it was from the law enforcement community or the military.

I want to encourage that culture, that attitude in this country, said Admiral McRaven.

Tiki Barber was also at the event. He is a member of the board of directors and said he was proud to honor servicemen and women from law enforcement and the military communities.

I've been involved with the federal law enforcement foundation for five or six years now and I'm always amazed and honored, mainly because of their experience as American heroes, said Barber. It's great to hear their experiences and be a part of supporting them.