Grand jury investigating Blackwater shooting in Baghdad that killed 17 Iraqi civilians

WASHINGTON (AP) – A federal grand jury is said to be investigating the role of North Carolina-based Blackwater Worldwide security guards in the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad.

The Blackwater guards in the September 16th shooting initially were given limited immunity by State Department investigators in exchange for their statements about what happened.

A senior FBI official close to the investigation told The Associated Press last week he was aware of evidence that could indicate 14 of the shootings were unjustified.

Moyock-based Blackwater contends its convoy was attacked before its guards opened fire. The Iraqi government’s investigation concluded the shootings were unprovoked.

The Justice Department would not say whether a grand jury has been impaneled to hear the case.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)