In this episode of Beyond the Barrel we sit down with Peter J. Forcelli the author of “The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast and Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels.” A retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director and former NYPD homicide detective, he spent 35 years in law enforcement, rising from beat cop to federal agent.
Forcelli specialized in complex gang and firearms investigations, making over 1,000 arrests and serving more than 300 search warrants. He’s been recognized as an expert witness in both federal and state courts and became a whistleblower during the “Operation Fast & Furious” congressional inquiry.
Throughout his ATF career, he held leadership roles in Phoenix, Miami, Eastern Canada, and Headquarters—overseeing major cases including the Pulse Nightclub and Parkland shootings. A 9/11 survivor and lung cancer fighter, he now speaks regularly at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This episode is one of the most raw and honest conversations we’ve had — packed with stories, lessons, and history.
11:00 – Growing Up in the Bronx
22:00 – Life in the Homicide Unit
33:00 – From NYPD to ATF
44:00 – The Culture of ATF
55:00 – Robbery Crews & Major Cases
1:06:00 – 9/11: The Moment It Happened
1:17:00 – Running from the Tower Collapse
1:28:00 – Reflections & Lessons Learned
1:39:00 – Final Thoughts: The Cost of the Job
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