WASHINGTON (AP) — New FBI Director Kash Patel is likely to take over as the acting leader of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a Justice Department official on Saturday. If confirmed, he could be sworn in as early as next week, overseeing two major agencies within the Justice Department. This unique situation brings up questions about the future of the ATF, which has faced criticism from conservatives for years.
Patel officially became FBI director on Friday. His appointment came despite concerns from Democrats, who worry about his commitment to overhaul the FBI significantly. The ATF, a separate agency with approximately 5,500 staff members, is responsible for enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, and arson. Its duties include licensing federal firearm dealers, tracing guns involved in crimes, and analyzing data from shooting incidents.
This news follows closely after Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed the ATF’s top lawyer, Pamela Hicks. Bondi remarked in a Fox News interview that Hicks was let go for allegedly targeting gun owners. Hicks expressed her pride in her role, stating that being the ATF chief counsel was the highlight of her career.
Conservative critics have long attacked the ATF for its firearm regulations, with some even advocating for its shutdown. Under the Biden administration, the ATF has implemented new regulations aimed at controlling “ghost guns” and requiring more firearm dealers to perform background checks, especially at gun shows.
Earlier this month, former President Trump issued an executive order instructing the attorney general to review the Biden administration’s firearm actions. He aimed to ensure there were no ongoing violations of the Second Amendment rights of citizens.
Gun safety advocates have raised concerns over placing Patel in charge of the FBI. The gun control group Brady labeled him a “known gun rights extremist,” while the Gun Owners of America hailed his confirmation as a significant win for gun rights supporters.
The last confirmed ATF director was Steve Dettelbach, who served from July 2022 until last month. He was the first director confirmed since 2015, a situation largely due to political challenges faced by nominees from both parties.
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Pam Bondi, Donald Trump, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Government programs, General news, Gun politics, Conservatism, Government and politics, Steve Dettelbach, Washington news, Pamela Hicks, Politics
