In Washington on Monday, Kash Patel was officially sworn in as acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This marks the beginning of his leadership over two large departments within the Justice Department, as he recently took on the role of director of the FBI. Information on this development was shared by a source familiar with the events, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information.
While Patel assumes this dual role, it is yet to be confirmed whether President Donald Trump will nominate him for the permanent ATF position. The administration has not disclosed its strategies for managing the agency, a body that has been the subject of criticism by some Republicans. Both Justice Department and White House representatives have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the recent changes.
Patel now leads a bureau comprised of approximately 5,500 staff, tasked with the enforcement of regulations involving firearms, explosives, and arson. Moreover, the ATF oversees the licensing of federal firearms dealers, investigates gun use in crimes, and processes intelligence related to shooting incidents.
His appointment as FBI director has stirred concern among Democrats, citing his limited managerial experience, unlike previous directors, and his contentious historical remarks. Patel has, in fact, referred to individuals investigating Trump as “government gangsters.”
Furthermore, gun safety advocates, who had opposed Patel’s selection to lead the FBI, have brought attention to his affiliation with Gun Owners of America—a pro-gun rights organization that has previously called for the dissolution of the ATF. The organization has hailed Patel as a “patriot who understands that the Second Amendment right of the People to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.”
In a past conference by Gun Owners of America, Patel addressed attendees, outlining his vision that resonates with their mission. He emphasized a broader objective to safeguard constitutional rights from what he perceives as bureaucratic erosion of freedoms.
His appointment raises apprehensions among gun control groups about potential reversals of efforts initiated by the Biden administration. These efforts include regulations aimed at mandating additional background checks by firearms dealers at venues like gun shows.
According to Kris Brown, president of gun control organization Brady, such regulatory advancements could face significant setbacks. This leadership change within the ATF follows the removal of the bureau’s chief counsel by Attorney General Pam Bondi last week.
Bondi, speaking on Fox News, stated her decision to terminate Chief Counsel Pamela Hicks was due to perceived targeting of gun owners. Hicks, who dedicated over two decades as a lawyer for the Justice Department, expressed pride over her tenure as the ATF chief counsel, describing the role as a significant honor in her career.