Larry Potts, suspended from his job as deputy director of the FBI, censured for neglectful management and under criminal investigation, is a leader who did not lead, or who at least does not want it thought he led. A Senate subcommittee is investigating an incident known as Ruby Ridge. Randall C. Weaver, who espoused a white supremacist philosophy, had sold two illegal shotguns to a government plant, and was wanted by authorities. In a confrontation with agents near Weaver's home, a federal marshal was killed. So was Weaver's 14-year-old son and his dog.
In violation of the FBI's standard policy, it was written into the plan of operation that agents "could and should" shoot any armed male in the vicinity. Eugene Glenn, who was the FBI commander at the scene, testified that the rules had been approved by Potts.Potts says it's not so. If Potts has gotten off one hook - and it's certainly not clear he has - he has merely switched to another hook. The FBI has known better days.