Luis S. Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the San Juan Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), issued the following statement:

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Jose Antonio Fuste dismissed the lawsuit filed against Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert S. Mueller III, various other FBI Special Agents, and myself. In his opinion, Judge Fuste ruled the FBI did not violate anyone's First or Fourth Amendment rights during the execution of a search warrant at 444 De Diego Avenue on February 10, 2006. He specifically stated the FBI did not use excessive force. In support of his ruling, he pointed out that courts have found law enforcement personnel may reasonably use force against members of a crowd when they ignore instructions to disperse and create a potential safety threat.

Since this lawsuit was first filed, the FBI was always confident that it would be determined the agents involved acted reasonably and appropriately. The FBI's own internal review previously reached the same conclusion as Judge Fuste.

I am proud of the FBI employees who participated in the operation at De Diego Avenue, as well as the FBI employees who risk their lives every day defending our freedoms and democratic system of government.