CBS News reports:

WASHINGTON – In secretly recorded conversations between two individuals deeply entwined in the ATF’s controversial “Fast and Furious” operation, the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry is described as “collateral damage.”

The recordings were obtained exclusively by CBS News. The man who made them – Arizona gun dealer Andre Howard – ran the Lone Wolf Trading Company and was speaking with Hope MacAllister, the ATF operation’s case agent.

Two of the guns Howard sold while cooperating with the ATF that were later found at Terry’s murder.

In the audio, Howard and MacAllister also discuss Special Agent John Dodson, who decided to go public with the scandal. He would go on to be assigned to the FBI.

Howard and MacAllister discuss destruction of evidence:

Dealer: Unfortunately a consequence occurred from a weapon shall we say that found its way into the wrong area ok and that was not anticipated. Nobody could foresee that that’s collateral damage I think the term is. It happened. It’s terrible. That’s life ok we move on. Unfortunately, Mr. Dodson with his allegation is a pain in the a–. Now, my understanding now is it will be impossible now that he will be able to substantiate anything directly because that evidence is gone. I want you to know that. It don’t exist. Not that one. You understand me?

Agent: MMhmm.

Dealer: Good. I get that.

The federal agent knew about destruction of evidence, which was apparently occurring in response to whistleblower accusations. The men go on to discuss what evidence the FBI could possibly have and whether anything could be proven.

Instead of worrying about the American death caused by Fast and Furious, these people were worried about what an investigation might turn up and whether their work would be compromised. This operation involved thousands of weapons, emails between officials, destruction of evidence, meetings with dealers — and we’re supposed to believe the Attorney General was never told a thing about it? Uh huh.