ACCESSING CLASSIFIED FILES
Decrypting documents...
Your connection is being monitored
Back to Individuals
critical risk
Alberto Gonzales
Former U.S. Attorney General
Attorney General who authored the "torture memos" authorizing enhanced interrogation techniques and oversaw warrantless NSA surveillance program
Overview
Alberto R. Gonzales served as the 80th Attorney General of the United States from 2005 to 2007 and as White House Counsel from 2001 to 2005. As White House Counsel, Gonzales authored and endorsed the infamous "torture memos" that redefined torture to allow or excuse techniques including waterboarding, stress positions, sleep deprivation, and other "enhanced interrogation techniques" at CIA black sites and Guantanamo Bay. He described the Geneva Conventions as "quaint" and "obsolete." Gonzales oversaw the warrantless NSA domestic surveillance program (Stellar Wind) and infamously visited Attorney General John Ashcroft's hospital bed to pressure him into reauthorizing the program. In 2006, it was revealed that Gonzales had orchestrated the politically motivated firing of nine U.S. Attorneys who were either not pursuing cases against Democrats aggressively enough or were investigating Republicans. Congressional testimony revealed Gonzales said "I don't recall" or variations 71 times in a single hearing. He resigned in September 2007 under bipartisan calls for his removal.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Authored "torture memos" authorizing waterboarding and enhanced interrogation
Called Geneva Conventions "quaint" and "obsolete"
Oversaw warrantless NSA domestic surveillance program (Stellar Wind)
Pressured hospitalized AG Ashcroft to reauthorize surveillance program
Orchestrated politically motivated firing of 9 U.S. Attorneys
Said "I don't recall" 71 times in a single congressional hearing
Related Investigations (5)
Criminal Charges & Violations
2 documented violations
18 U.S.C. 2340APotential conspiracy to commit torture for authorizing enhanced interrogation (not charged)(federal)
50 U.S.C. 1809Potential FISA violations for warrantless surveillance authorization (not charged)(federal)
Known Associates & Connections
John Yoo
OLC attorney who drafted torture memos
Jay Bybee
OLC head who signed torture memos
George W. Bush
President who appointed him
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- August 4, 1955
- Birthplace
- San Antonio, Texas
Education
- •Rice University (B.A.)
- •Harvard Law School (J.D.)
Key Timeline
2001-01
Appointed White House Counsel
2002-01-25
Memo calling Geneva Conventions "quaint"
2002-08-01
Bybee/Yoo torture memos issued with Gonzales endorsement
2004-03-10
Hospital visit to pressure Ashcroft on surveillance
2005-02-03
Confirmed as Attorney General
2006-12
U.S. Attorney firings scandal exposed
2007-09-17
Resigns as Attorney General