DOJ Announces ATF Ghost Gun Rule is in Effect
The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) new frame and receiver rule is now in effect.
The Way of the Future: Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence
Introducing the new National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) National Correlation and Training Center II at Wichita State University.
The First Senate Confirmation of ATF Director in Over Seven Years
The Senate confirmed Steven Dettelbach, a former U.S. Attorney in Ohio, as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) this week.
Administration Cracks Down on Ghost Guns, Biden Announces ATF Nominee
President Joe Biden announced a final rule imposing new restrictions on homemade firearms known as "ghost guns" on Monday.
Senator Calls for DOJ Inquiry on ATF Whistleblower Retaliation Claims, Misclassifying Jobs
On October 6, 2021, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) inquired with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) misclassification of nearly 100 administrative positions and subsequent retaliation of the exposing whistleblower.
DOJ Launches Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces; Biden’s ATF Director Pick Lacks Support
According to a Department of Justice press release dated July 22, 2021, the DOJ has launched five cross-jurisdictional firearms trafficking strike forces to address violent crime and crack down on sources of crime guns.
Biden Announces Executive Actions on Gun Control, Nominates New Head of ATF
On April 8, 2021, President Joe Biden announced six executive actions in an effort to curb gun violence. President Biden highlighted the urgency of this issue in a speech saying, “Today we're taking steps to confront not just the gun crisis but what is actually a public health crisis."
GAO Issues Recommendations to Assess Firearms Trafficking to Mexico
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report covering firearms smuggling from the U.S. into Mexico and issuing recommendations to better understand the problem.
DOJ IG Releases Survey on Components’ COVID-19 Response
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Department of Justice’s law enforcement investigations, according to a recently released employee survey of major DOJ components by the department’s Office of the Inspector General.
AIM Act Could Strengthen Public Safety by Improving ATF
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM) that would modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to improve gun safety. The bill itself would remove statutory restrictions that prevent ATF from protecting the public from violent criminals and combating black market weapons smuggling, according to its authors.
A Day in the Life of Misty Waytes--Women in ATF Trailblazer
Learn about what it takes to be a female in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Waytes talks about finding a mentor and inspiring her students at the ATF National Academy.
Attorney General Barr Expands Operation Legend to Several Cities
On July 8, 2020, Attorney General William Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a law enforcement initiative that combines efforts of local and federal law enforcement to combat surges of violence across America. It began in Kansas City, MO and has now expanded to several other states that have seen a recent increase of violence.
Seventh Circuit Rebukes MSPB AJ’s Whistleblower Findings, Remands Again for Damages
In 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held the MSPB acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it dismissed an ATF employee’s Individual Right of Action appeal. The Seventh Circuit’s 2018 opinion found that the employee “properly alleged a ‘protected disclosure’ and exhausted his administrative remedies so that the Board had jurisdiction to evaluate the merits of his claim.” The MSPB AJ denied relief, and the employee appealed to the Seventh Circuit again. On July 16, 2020, the appeals court again held that the MSPB acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and contrary to law. This time, the remand to the MSPB was only on the extent of relief to the employee.