Brady Condemns Decision to Place FBI Director Kash Patel in Charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)

Ceding Control of Both Agencies to Patel Endangers Life-Saving Gun Violence Prevention Laws.

Washington, D.C., February 25, 2025 —Today, Brady President Kris Brownissued the following statement after FBI Director Kash Patel was sworn in as acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):

Putting FBI Director Patel in charge of ATF creates a perfect storm for gun trafficking in America. As FBI Director, he already has the power to weaken our nation's Brady Background Check system. Now, by giving him control of ATF – our primary defense against illegal gun sales – the Trump administration is effectively dismantling the safeguards that keep guns out of dangerous hands. 

Under oath, Kash Patel refused to say that background checks prevent violent criminals from getting guns are constitutional. Now in control of the ATF, Patel has the power to undermine the background check system and ignore critical inspections or consequences for gun dealers that sell to criminals.

This isn't about politics - it's about public safety, and this decision puts American lives at risk.

If the top goal of this Administration is to keep Americans safe and prosecute violent criminals, then this choice is even more incomprehensible. Kash Patel isn't qualified to run either of these agencies, let alone both at the same time.