NRI Kash Patel Dismissed from Role as Acting ATF Director, US officials confirm

Los Angeles/ Apr 09, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

NRI Kash Patel, FBI Director, has been removed from his additional role as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has taken over the position, though he will continue serving in both roles.

The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the timing of Patel’s removal, though officials confirmed it was unrelated to his performance. His photo and title remained on the ATF’s website as of Wednesday afternoon.

Patel’s dual appointment had raised eyebrows across the Justice Department, as it is highly unusual for one individual to lead two major federal law enforcement agencies simultaneously. He was sworn in as FBI Director on February 21 and briefly assumed the ATF role three days later.

White House spokesperson Harrison Fields described Patel’s ATF designation as a routine, temporary move pending Senate confirmations. “Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results,” Fields said.

The leadership shake-up comes as Attorney General Pam Bondi intensifies efforts to protect gun rights, launching a new Second Amendment task force that includes the ATF. Meanwhile, the agency recently repealed its controversial "zero tolerance policy" on gun dealer license revocations.

Industry groups welcomed Driscoll's appointment, calling it a sign of commitment to reform and Second Amendment protections. However, concerns remain about ATF’s stability and capacity to tackle firearm-related crimes amid ongoing leadership uncertainty.

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