The story

The founder and chief executive of Blackwater USA defended his company against allegations that his contractors were trigger-happy mercenaries Tuesday, saying that his personnel have distinguished records and have never intentionally killed civilians.

Erik Prince's appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee was supposed to focus on a controversial firefight in a Baghdad square last month.

However, the hearing changed course after the Justice Department asked Prince and the committee not to discuss the incident, which is now the subject of an FBI investigation. Read full article »

CNN's Suzanne Simons contributed to this report.

All About U.S. Department of State • Iraq War • Blackwater USA