IRS Spent $10 Million on Weapons Since COVID-19 Pandemic Began: Watchdog
By Katabella Roberts
May 3, 2023Updated: May 3, 2023
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been splashing out millions stocking up on guns, ammunition, and combat gear since 2020, according to the findings of Open The Books, a watchdog group that tracks government spending.
A report by the watchdog, published on April 27, found that the agency has spent a total of $10 million on weaponry and gear since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including $2.3 million on duty ammunition, $1.2 million on ballistic shields, and another $1.3 million on “various other gear for criminal investigation agents.”
Additionally, the agency has spent $474,000 on Smith & Wesson rifles, $463,000 on Beretta 1301 tactical shotguns, and $243,000 on body armor vests since 2020.
Another $467,000 was reportedly spent on duty tactical lighting, $354,000 on tactical gear bags, and $267,000 on ballistic helmets in the same time.
The report, called “The Militarization of Federal Bureaucracy,” contains updated data through the end of March 2023.
The Militarization of Federal Bureaucracy - Updated Statistics Through March 31, 2023
April 27, 2023 11:09 AM
INTERESTING IRS PURCHASES (SINCE 2020):
$2.3 million on duty ammunition
$1.2 million on ballistic shields, plus another $1.3 million on ‘various other gear for criminal investigation agents” – very non-transparent description
$474,000 on Smith & Wesson rifles
$467,000 on duty tactical lighting
$463,000 on Baretta1301 tactical shotguns
$354,000 on tactical gear bags
267,000 on ballistic helmets
$243,000 on body armor vests
Purchased 3,000 units of optics compatible tactical holsters for weapons with optical sights and weapons lighting systems.
https://www.openthebooks.com/the-militarization-of-federal-bureaucracy—updated-statistics-through-march-31-2023/