Archives to release Cheney shooting incident records

The National Archives plans to release official records on the 2006 incident in which then-Vice President Dick Cheney shot a hunting partner.

Politico first reported on the decision, announced in a National Archives notice earlier this week.

The Archives said the material includes 322 pages and more than 4,000 images. Of that, the Archives wants to make public 267 whole pages and more than 3,500 images.

The Archives is notifying Cheney's representative and plans to release the records in June unless Cheney -- or either former President George W. Bush or President Obama -- request an extension. Bush or Obama also could object to the release.

Cheney accidentally shot attorney Harry Whittington during a February 2006 Texas hunting outing. The administration didn't disclose the incident until the following day.

Whittington suffered injuries to his face and other areas from the birdshot, but was treated at a local hospital and survived.