Kash Patel has been removed from his position as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Patel was still listed on the ATF’s website as acting director.
Patel, who was sworn in as FBI director on February 21 and assumed the role of acting ATF director three days later, held both positions simultaneously—an unusual move within the Justice Department.
Officials say his removal from the ATF was not related to job performance, but no specific reason was given.
Driscoll has now taken over as acting ATF director while continuing to serve as Army secretary, according to multiple sources.
The timeline of Patel’s departure and Driscoll’s appointment remains unclear, especially as Driscoll was traveling and recently in the Middle East.
Patel’s appointment had surprised many within the ATF. His swearing-in was not communicated to agency leadership in advance, and his time at headquarters was minimal. His limited involvement raised concerns among current and former officials about the ATF’s direction and stability.
The Justice Department is reportedly considering merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration in an effort to reduce costs. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has prioritized gun rights, recently launched a task force focused on Second Amendment enforcement, with the ATF set to play a role.
This week, the ATF also rescinded its “zero tolerance” policy for gun dealers, a rule that targeted license revocations for serious violations. A Monday press release featured a quote from Patel, suggesting the leadership change occurred very recently.
The shift in leadership raises questions about how the agency will move forward in regulating the firearms industry, particularly with industry groups like the NSSF expressing optimism about Driscoll’s appointment. Meanwhile, some former officials have voiced frustration over what they see as instability and lack of respect for the agency’s mission.
