When presented with facts regarding what/who you normally trust, it can take a while to process the information to the point of concluding it’s “felony-stupid”. Also, when you realize it is you may also realize that speaking/acting on it requires extreme care and planning, lest you choke on your own foot or are rendered metabolically challenged by the accused.
"Justice Department officials have said the operation was approved by ATF’s Phoenix field office and the U.S. attorney’s office in Phoenix".