In a significant reshuffle within the Department of Justice, FBI Director Kash Patel is set to assume leadership of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This development was confirmed by two reliable sources to Fox News Digital on Saturday.
The announcement follows closely after Patel's recent appointment as the ninth FBI Director, secured through a narrow Senate vote. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the agency as it aligns with the broader strategic goals of the current administration.
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned at the conclusion of former President Joe Biden's term, paving the way for new leadership under the current administration. Concurrently, Attorney General Pam Bondi made a decisive move by dismissing the ATF's general counsel, Pamela Hicks, on Thursday.
Hicks, who had served as the chief counsel for ATF since 2021, announced her termination via a post on LinkedIn. Her tenure at the Department of Justice (DOJ) spanned an impressive 23 years, during which she held various roles, including deputy chief counsel for ATF under President Donald Trump's administration.
In her LinkedIn post, Hicks expressed gratitude, stating, "Serving as ATF Chief Counsel has been the highest honor of my career and working with the people at ATF and throughout the Department has been a pleasure." She extended her appreciation to colleagues for their unwavering support and collaboration over the years.
The recent leadership changes signal a shift in the administration's approach to gun regulations. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized a firm stance against targeting gun owners, stating, "These people were targeting gun owners. Not gonna happen under this administration."
As both the FBI and ATF operate under the umbrella of the DOJ, the transition in leadership aims to streamline operations and align with the administration's objectives. The appointment of Kash Patel as ATF Director marks a strategic move to bolster the agency's efforts in regulating firearms, tobacco, and alcohol, ensuring compliance with federal laws.
