New FBI leader Kash Patel tapped to run ATF as acting director
FBI Director Kash Patel has been selected to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to sources familiar with the decision. This announcement comes shortly after Patel was sworn in as the ninth FBI director following a close Senate vote.
The previous FBI Director, Christopher Wray, stepped down at the end of former President Biden’s term, paving the way for Patel to assume the role. Additionally, Attorney General Pam Bondi terminated ATF general counsel Pamela Hicks on Thursday, further shaking up the leadership within the agency.
Hicks, who had been serving as ATF’s chief counsel since 2021 under the Biden administration, expressed gratitude for her time in the position on her LinkedIn page. She had previously worked as the deputy chief counsel for ATF during President Donald Trump’s first term and had a longstanding career as an attorney within the Department of Justice.
In a statement, Hicks acknowledged her termination and thanked her colleagues for their support and collaboration over the years. Her departure signals a shift in leadership within the ATF as Patel prepares to take the reins.
As Patel assumes his new role, there is anticipation for the direction he will take the ATF. With Bondi emphasizing a commitment to protecting gun owners, there is likely to be a focus on ensuring the agency’s policies align with the current administration’s priorities.
Both the FBI and ATF fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, highlighting the interconnectedness of these federal agencies. As Patel transitions into his new position, there will be a keen interest in how he navigates the responsibilities of leading the ATF while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the agency.
The appointment of Patel to head the ATF represents a significant development in federal law enforcement leadership. With his background and experience, Patel is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the ATF and address the complex challenges facing the agency. Stay tuned for updates on Patel’s initiatives and priorities as he settles into his new role.
