A Car Follows Too Close

An IED went off near a building where State Officials were meeting, Blackwater decided to eveacuate. The mercenaries took an offensive stance as the convoy went back to base.  Blackwater is flying through a Baghdad neighborhood, an Iraqi policeman tries to clear the traffic, a car doesn't stop in time. The mercenaries open up, and spray the car.

Blackwater And Iraqi Police

Iraqi Army soldiers opened fire at the Blackwater team, which the Blackwater team responded back. The mercenaries shot up five cars, and a minibus, killing at least 20 women and children.

It Happened In Downtown Baghdad

A State department convoy was traveling in Baghdad's al-Nisur Square
 

They Called In A Helicopter

A Blackwater helicopter was also present at some point during the attack, and according to a Washington Post employee, it fired several times from the air, although Blackwater has denied this.
 

Dozens Of Witnesses

Unlike many deaths blamed on foreign contractors, this shooting took place in downtown Baghdad, an area with dozens of witnesses. "We see the security firms ... doing whatever they want in the streets.
 

Eyewitness

Hasan Jaber Salman, one of the wounded and an Iraqi lawyer, charged that "no one did anything to provoke Blackwater" and that "as we turned back they opened fire at all cars from behind"

Blackwater Has A  Free Hand

A lot of team leaders are Israelis, and General Petreaus looks the other way