Attorney General Pam Bondi terminates Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms chief legal counsel Pamela Hicks in latest DOJ shakeup

The recent firing of Pamela Hicks, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) chief legal counsel by Attorney General Pam Bondi has sent shockwaves through the Department of Justice (DOJ). Hicks, who had served as ATF’s chief counsel since 2021 under the Biden administration, was abruptly removed from her position and terminated from her employment with the DOJ.

In a statement posted on her LinkedIn page, Hicks expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as ATF’s chief counsel and thanked her colleagues for their support. She had spent 23 years as an attorney within the DOJ, with previous experience as deputy chief counsel for ATF under President Donald Trump’s first administration.

Following her termination, Hicks was reportedly escorted out of the ATF building, signaling a swift end to her tenure. While ATF declined to comment on personnel matters, sources familiar with the situation confirmed the abrupt nature of Hicks’ dismissal.

This firing comes amidst a wave of resignations and firings within the DOJ, with at least seven federal prosecutors quitting in February over the Trump DOJ’s decision to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Former President Trump also recently ordered the removal of all remaining “Biden Era” U.S. Attorneys in an effort to “clean house” and restore confidence in the justice system.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was confirmed as the nation’s 87th attorney general on Feb. 5, has vowed to address the political weaponization within the DOJ. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Bondi expressed concern over the extent of corruption within the department and emphasized the need to end the weaponization of justice.

The ATF, which was transferred from the Department of Treasury to the DOJ in 2003, plays a crucial role in enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, and other dangerous materials. The sudden removal of Hicks as chief counsel raises questions about the future direction of the agency and the impact of ongoing personnel changes within the DOJ.

As the fallout from Hicks’ firing continues to unfold, the DOJ faces mounting pressure to address concerns about political interference and corruption within the department. The implications of these developments are far-reaching, with potential repercussions for law enforcement and justice system integrity.