FBI Director Kash Patel has been quietly replaced as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll taking over the role, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The change occurred weeks ago, though it was not immediately clear why Patel was removed from his position leading the Justice Department agency responsible for enforcing the nation’s gun laws.
Sources said Patel was removed at the end of February, shortly after being sworn in. However, the change was never publicly announced, and Patel remained listed as the acting director on the ATF’s website as recently as April 7. The shift was only communicated to senior ATF leaders on Wednesday, according to one anonymous source.
Daniel Driscoll, the 38-year-old Army Secretary from North Carolina, will continue in his position as Secretary of the Army. Driscoll, who has a background as an adviser to Vice President JD Vance, brings his experience to the ATF, although the reasons behind the leadership change have not yet been clarified.
The move has raised questions about the sudden leadership shuffle at the ATF, an agency central to enforcing gun laws and overseeing federal firearm regulations.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)