The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has long been a contentious agency among law-abiding gun owners, often criticized for overreach and politicization. Recent developments suggest a potential shift in leadership that could align the agency more closely with Second Amendment rights.
Recently, Kash Patel was named acting director of the ATF, a move that immediately caught the attention of gun rights advocates. Patel’s appointment was seen as a step in the right direction, given his history of challenging deep-state bureaucracies and his strong support for constitutional governance. However, his tenure is expected to be temporary, with reports indicating that Dan O’Kelly is being considered as his permanent replacement in the near future.
Dan O’Kelly: A Pro-Gun Advocate for ATF Leadership
Dan O’Kelly has an extensive background in law enforcement, with over three decades of experience—11 years as a police officer and 23 years in the ATF. Unlike the bureaucrats and anti-gun zealots who have traditionally run the agency, O’Kelly actually understands firearms, their mechanics, and their place in American history.
O’Kelly has been an outspoken critic of the ATF’s inadequate training and politically motivated decisions, arguing that the agency has eroded public trust by misclassifying firearm components and targeting lawful gun owners instead of violent criminals. He has even gone as far as challenging the ATF in court, serving as an expert witness in multiple cases where the ATF grossly overstepped its authority. Notably, Dan O’Kelly was the expert on Forced Reset Triggers for Rarebreed Triggers in the Texas Gun Rights & National Association for Gun Rights lawsuit against the ATF.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Role in Shaping ATF’s Future
The potential appointment of O’Kelly comes at a time when Attorney General Pam Bondi is actively reshaping the Justice Department’s approach to firearms regulation. Bondi, who has a complex history regarding gun control, has recently taken steps that suggest a shift towards protecting Second Amendment rights.
In one of her initial actions as Attorney General, Bondi dismissed the ATF’s chief counsel, Pamela Hicks, citing concerns that the agency was “targeting gun owners.” This decisive move indicates Bondi’s intent to steer the ATF away from policies that unfairly impact lawful gun owners.
However, Bondi’s record has not been without controversy. During her tenure as Florida’s Attorney General, she supported measures such as “red flag” gun confiscation laws and raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21. These actions have previously raised concerns among Second Amendment advocates.
A Pro-Gun ATF Director Amidst Calls for Abolition
While organizations like Texas Gun Rights and National Association for Gun Rights continue advocating for the complete abolition of the ATF, recognizing it as an agency that has historically infringed upon gun rights, the political reality suggests that such a goal may not be immediately attainable. In this context, appointing a pro-gun director like Dan O’Kelly could serve as a pivotal interim measure.
It is important to note that shutting down the ATF is not as simple as closing other federal agencies, such as USAID. While agencies like USAID operate under executive authority and can be significantly weakened or dissolved through executive action and budget cuts, the ATF is codified into federal law and holds statutory enforcement powers. This means that its abolition requires congressional approval, making it a much more complex and politically challenging endeavor. Even if the ATF were disbanded, its responsibilities would likely be transferred to another federal agency, such as the FBI or DOJ, unless key gun control laws like the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA) were repealed.
Because of these legal and bureaucratic hurdles, having a pro-gun ATF director like Dan O’Kelly could serve as a necessary step in preventing further anti-gun overreach while the fight to dismantle unconstitutional regulations continues. O’Kelly’s leadership could realign the ATF’s focus towards genuine law enforcement, targeting violent crime rather than imposing restrictive regulations on lawful gun owners. This shift would not only protect Second Amendment rights but also restore public trust in the agency’s mission.
Vigilance and Advocacy Remain Essential
The potential appointment of Dan O’Kelly as ATF Director, coupled with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent actions, signals a possible positive transformation within the ATF. However, gun owners and Second Amendment supporters must remain vigilant and continue advocating for their rights. While leadership changes can influence the agency’s direction, sustained pressure and legislative efforts to ultimately Abolish the ATF are crucial to ensuring lasting protection of constitutional freedoms.
Chris McNutt is President of Texas Gun Rights.
Regardless of who President Trump nominates they will still have to be confirmed by a Senate vote that will require reining in certain RINO Republicans who can’t be trusted.
If this guy will say a bumpstock is not a machine gun. And he fires the ATF agents who harrass FFLs. Also I want an investigation into what happened in Arkansas. When that guy was killed in an ATF raid. Do all that and I’ll support him.
Ps
Make the process for getting any NFA item as fast as it is for buying a gun. No more waiting for weeks or months or years.
He can do all that without congressional action.