FBI chief Kash Patel to be named ATF acting director
What's the story
Kash Patel, the newly confirmed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director, is reportedly poised to become the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
His nomination as FBI chief was narrowly approved in the Senate with a 51-49 vote.
Despite opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, Patel was supported by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Leadership shakeup
Patel's appointment amid significant DOJ changes
Patel's confirmation comes amid major shakeups at the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Last week, Bondi fired ATF General Counsel Pamela Hicks after President Donald Trump ordered the removal of remaining US attorneys from the Biden era.
Hicks took to LinkedIn to announce her departure, thanking the Department of Justice for her 28-year career.
Regulatory concerns
Patel's role at ATF and future direction of agencies
Patel's new role at the ATF comes after Bondi claimed Hicks was dismissed for "targeting gun owners."
The ATF has long been a sore point for conservatives due to its regulatory role over firearms.
Under the Biden administration, it introduced regulations on ghost guns and expanded background checks for firearms dealers.
Patel may be sworn in next week, according to an official, which would place him in charge of two of the Justice Department's largest agencies.
Public response
Mixed reactions to Patel's appointment
Gun safety groups have raised alarm over Patel's appointment, with Brady calling him a "known gun rights extremist."
Meanwhile, Gun Owners of America celebrated his confirmation as a win for gun rights advocates.
Born in New York to Gujarati parents, Patel is the first Indian-origin FBI Director and has previously worked as National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Personal background
Patel's personal life and commitment to justice
Patel's girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, is a country singer and Capitol Hill press secretary. They met at a conservative event in 2022 and started dating in 2023.
Wilkins is known for her advocacy work with veterans' organizations.
The White House has endorsed Patel's confirmation as part of President Trump's agenda to restore integrity within federal agencies.
Patel has pledged to transform the FBI into an agency that is "transparent, accountable, and committed to justice."