Kash Patel, who was sworn in as FBI director last week, is expected to be named the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a Justice Department official told The Associated Press.

If he’s sworn in as head of the ATF next week as expected, that would put Patel in charge of two of the Justice Department's largest agencies. It’s an unusual arrangement that raises questions about the future of the bureau that’s long been criticized by conservatives.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the next Director of the FBI, marking a major victory for gun owners and constitutional rights advocates nationwide. Gun Owners of America (GOA) has proudly supported Patel throughout the confirmation process—despite relentless attacks from Senate Democrats who took issue with his strong ties to GOA and his unwavering commitment to the Second Amendment.

A featured speaker at GOA’s inaugural GOALS conference in Knoxville this past August, Patel has consistently demonstrated his dedication to protecting gun rights and defending the Constitution against government overreach.

GOA remains committed to working with Director Patel and holding the FBI accountable to protect gun owners’ rights and end the agency’s history of unconstitutional overreach.

Tim Macy, Chairman of GOA, praised Patel’s confirmation:

“Kash Patel’s confirmation is a massive win for gun owners across America. Unlike his predecessors, he understands that the FBI must serve the American people—not act as a political weapon against them. We look forward to seeing Director Patel restore integrity to the Bureau while standing firm in defense of our Second Amendment rights.”

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA, added:

“For years, we’ve watched the FBI trample on the rights of law-abiding gun owners who the Biden Administration designated as ‘Militia Violent Extremists’ for their belief in the Bill of Rights and use of patriotic imagery like the Gadsden Flag. Kash Patel has made it clear that those days are over. He is a true constitutionalist, and we are confident that he will work to rein in the agency’s abuses and ensure the FBI upholds, rather than undermines, the Second Amendment.”

........Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

Dnarever wrote on Jun 12^th, 2026 at 4:21pm:


Only if they turn up to an ICE protest, Dnarever, then all bets are off.

Panther's beloved Constitution no longer applies, no?

Dnarever wrote on Jun 12^th, 2026 at 4:21pm:


Only if they turn up to an ICE protest, Dnarever, then all bets are off.

Panther's beloved Constitution no longer applies, no?

Dirty Paki Khunt wrote on Jun 12^th, 2026 at 5:42pm:


There is no record of people turning up to protest domestic terrorists armed. Even though it would be constitutionally protected if they did.