President Donald Trump is expected to nominate FBI director Kash Patel as acting head of the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, stating ABC News by sources familiar with the case.
An official of the Department of Justice told ABC News that Patel is expected to administer the oath as acting director earlier next week.
FBI director nominated Kash Patel pointers as he walks on stage to speak during the opening parade inside the Capital One Arena at Washington, DC on 20 January 2025.
Angela Weis/AFP Getty Image, through File
The White House did not respond to the remarks request.
Attorney General Palm Bondi fired ATF general lawyer, Pamela Hicks in the end of last week. Bondi said in an interview with Fox News on Friday that it was because the agency’s prominent lawyers were “targeting gun owners.”
Kash Patel was sworn in as FBI Director by Attorney General Palm Bondi at the Indian Treaty Room at the Executive Office Building of Eisenhwar on 21 February 2025 in Washington.
Pedro Ugarte/AFP through Getty Image
ABC News reached Hicks for comment.
Patel was sworn in as FBI Director last week despite several controversies around his nomination. He has been an outspoken critic of the FBI over the years and earlier said that he wants to clean the bureau headquarters in Washington who claim corruption and prejudice.
Patel, who has never been an FBI or ATF agent, has supported 6 January. 6 rioters participated in rallies with Trump and appeared with various orthodox figures, including those who have pushed the Qunon conspiracies.
All Senate Democrats and GOP Sensors. Susan Colins and Lisa Murkovsky voted against Patel citing lack of political fairness.
The ATF, which has been tasked to regulate the sale and registration of firearms across the United States, is a long -standing Republican target, arguing that the government’s encroachment on other amendment rights.
The Attorney General Palm Bandy runs in Washington on February 21, 2025 till the West Wing of the White House.
Alex Brandon/AP
Earlier this month, Trump issued an executive order, directing Bandy to instruct him to address the right to hold and tolerate weapons and present a plan in the White House after 30 days. Action for
In its first memo signed after its confirmation, Bandy directed the ATF to move the resources away from their alcohol and tobacco enforcement weapons to assist in the efforts of DOJ to combat illegal immigration and international criminal groups.
