Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel is set to take on an additional role as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a Justice Department official. Patel is expected to be sworn in next week, an unusual move that consolidates leadership of two major federal law enforcement agencies under one individual. The decision raises questions about the future direction of the ATF, which has long been a target of conservative criticism.
Patel, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was confirmed as FBI director despite concerns from Democrats regarding his plans to overhaul the agency. Now, with control of the ATF, he will oversee an organization of roughly 5,500 employees responsible for enforcing federal laws on firearms, explosives, and arson. The agency plays a key role in licensing gun dealers, tracing firearms used in crimes, and analyzing intelligence in shooting investigations.
This leadership shakeup comes shortly after Attorney General Pam Bondi fired ATF chief counsel Pamela Hicks. Bondi stated that Hicks was dismissed because the agency had been “targeting gun owners.” Hicks, who served the Justice Department for over 20 years, described her time as ATF chief counsel as the “highest honor” of her career.
The ATF has been a frequent focus of conservative opposition, particularly over its firearm regulations. Under the Biden administration, the agency implemented stricter controls on ghost guns and expanded background check requirements for firearm sales at gun shows and other non-traditional venues. Earlier this month, President Trump issued an executive order directing the attorney general to review all Biden-era firearm policies to determine if they infringe on Second Amendment rights.
Gun safety organizations have voiced concern over Patelâs appointment, with groups like Brady labeling him a “known gun rights extremist.” On the other hand, gun rights advocates, such as Gun Owners of America, have welcomed the decision, calling it a major victory for supporters of gun ownership and constitutional rights.
The ATF has not had a confirmed director since the departure of Steve Dettelbach, a former federal prosecutor who led the agency from July 2022 until last month. Dettelbach was the first Senate-confirmed ATF director since 2015, as the position has historically faced political hurdles in the confirmation process. With Patel now overseeing both the FBI and ATF, the future of federal gun policy and law enforcement remains in flux.
(Source: AP News)
