DEA Agent Who Shot Self In Foot Sues U.S.

thesmokinggun.com ^ | 4/11/06 | Screamname

[Screamname]

DEA Agent Who Shot Self In Foot Sues U.S.

Seeks damages for distribution of humiliating gun accident video

APRIL 11--A Drug Enforcement Administration agent who stars in a popular online video that shows him shooting himself in the foot during a weapons demonstration for Florida children is suing over the tape's release, claiming that his career has been crippled and he's become a laughingstock due to the embarrassing clip's distribution. Lee Paige, 45, blames the video's release on DEA officials in an April 7 federal lawsuit filed against the U.S. government. A copy of the pro se complaint by Paige, a DEA agent since 1990, can be found below. According to the lawsuit, Paige was making a "drug education presentation" in April 2004 to a Florida youth group when his firearm (a Glock .40) accidentally discharged. The shooting occurred moments after Paige told the children that he was the only person in the room professional enough to carry the weapon. The accident was filmed by an audience member, and the tape, Paige claims, was turned over to the DEA. The drug agency subsequently "improperly, illegally, willfully and/or intentionally" allowed the tape to be disseminated. As a result, Paige--pictured above in a still from the video--has been the "target of jokes, derision, ridicule, and disparaging comments" directed at him in restaurants, grocery stores, and airports. Paige, who writes that he was "once regarded as one of the best undercover agents, if not the best, in the DEA," points to the clip's recent airing on popular television shows and via the Internet as the reason he can no longer work undercover. He also notes that he is no longer "permitted or able to give educational motivational speeches and presentations." (5 pages)

[Screamname]

First time I saw this video I thought it was fake, just thought the idiocy level was too unbelievable....Hmmm, guess not.

[evets]

"This is a Glock 9...

[Marine Inspector]

Sorry Agent Paige, you weapon did not accidentally discharged, you pulled the trigger.

You are a idiot and should not be handling weapons.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Anybody who calls himself "one of the best undercover agents, if not the best, in the DEA" was a laughingstock long before he became famous.

[DejaJude]

The idiot is lucky he didn't shoot any children.

[Cementjungle]

According to the lawsuit, Paige was making a "drug education presentation" in April 2004 to a Florida youth group when his firearm (a Glock .40) accidentally discharged.

Who does he blame for the gun being loaded when he was demonstrating it to kids?

[darkwing104]

You have got to be kidding me....

[evets]

Oops I meant Glock 40

Snakes on a Plane...

[Screamname]

"I am te only one professional enough to carry this gun..BLAM!"

That line alone and the timing of the shot I thought no way is this real, bu I guess it is.. There is humiliation, and then there IS humliation.

[6SJ7]

"improperly, illegally, willfully and/or intentionally"

Sounds like that banter of the lawyer, Jackie Chiles, on the old Seinfeld show.

[Diggler]

I'm the only one professional enough to watch this video!!

[Screamname]

If you`ll notice, before he shot himself in the foot, he pulled the trigger while the gun was pointed at the ceiling. What if it discharged then and went through that ceiling and killed some kid on the next floor?

[jazusamo]

Too funny! If the tape would not have been released, President Bush would have been accused of another cover-up.

[Tamar1973]

Is this "Star Wars Kid" all over again?!

[VeniVidiVici]

He also notes that he is no longer "permitted or able to give educational motivational speeches and presentations."

Well, DUHHHHH!

I remember when this happened in Orlando. If you haven't seen the video and in need of a good laugh, watch it!

[spunkets]

"Paige told the children that he was the only person in the room professional enough to carry the weapon."

Hey Paige! You're a moron, just like the rest of the clowns claiming they're special. Case dismissed.

[Dinsdale]

Maybe he should think about getting an honest job?

[Screamname]

Whoa, there is humiliation, then there is humiliation of not being able to spell. Got to get that dyslexia of mine under control.

[Choose Ye This Day]

I think some parents should sue for endangering their children by waving around a loaded pistol.

[jdm]

"Hold muh beer and watch this...."