‘Screw Those Scoundrels...': John Oliver Appalled By ‘Completely Unconscionable' ATF Sting Operation

John Oliver took aim at undercover law enforcement and contentious sting operations during his latest segment on “Last Week Tonight.”

Over the past forty years, these tactics have become entrenched in policing, with Oliver spotlighting some of the “pretty awful” methods employed to ensnare individuals. He noted that certain operations disproportionately affect specific ethnic communities and those with cognitive challenges.

However, one instance particularly incited his outrage:

“In a striking case, [ATF] agents established a phony smoke shop in Portland, incentivizing a 19-year-old with mental disabilities and his companion to promote their establishment by, believe it or not, tattooing a massive emblem of a giant squid smoking a joint on their necks. This is utterly unconscionable.”

Oliver criticized a judge for merely describing the situation as “not a good idea.”

“Not a good idea? There’s a time for politeness, but when agents misuse taxpayer funds to tattoo a vulnerable teen, that’s not it. I even consulted Emily Post’s etiquette guide on this matter, and her advice simply states, ‘Screw those scoundrels sideways with a rusty fork.’ I’m not saying that; Emily Post is, so it carries weight.”

Watch the full segment here: