will die. the sheriffs say holder shares the blame. >> every time there is a shooting or crime committed on american soil, the first question should bond my, god, are these the guns that america gave the criminals? >> reporter: late today, holder released this letter to congress writing, "i have no recollection of knowing about fast and furious or of hear its name prior to the public controversy about it. my office typically receives over 100 pages of so-called weekly reports that while addressed to me actually are provided to and reviewed by members of my staff." this week the justice department also addressed republican criticism by comparing fast and furious to a similar operation during the bush administration called "operation wide receiver." both occurred the arizona. the same atf officials and encouraged gun stores to illegally sell assault rivals