WASHINGTON — With just days left in the Biden administration, not all presidential appointees will step down quietly. Steven DettelbachThe head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has warned that the next administration has the agency in its sights.
Dettelbach’s representatives helped identify the gunman, Thomas Crooks. July assassination attempt They investigated President-elect Donald Trump by tracking down an assault rifle fired by crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“ATF identified the perpetrator of the attempted assassination of President Trump within 30 minutes,” Dettelbach said.
He said the ATF is weathering a wave of gun dangers, including: ghost gunone of which was used in the murder He took over as CEO of UnitedHealthcare in New York City last month.
“It’s very popular because it appeals to people who can’t legally obtain guns,” Dettelbach said.
These small parts, some made with 3D printers, can turn traditional guns into automatic weapons.
Dettelbach, who is scheduled to step down when Trump takes office, has warned that the ATF is a prime target for deep cuts.
President Trump criticized Dettelbach by name.
President Trump told members of the National Rifle Association at a rally last February that “on day one, we will fire extremist gun grabber Steve Dettelbach.”
Dettelbach says funding cuts are almost certain despite new cuts America’s crime rate.
But Republicans in Congress argue that ATF is overreaching and has too many restrictions, such as pistol braces, and have already proposed $188 million in cuts to the agency this year.
Dettelbach believes “people will be killed” if the ATF is abolished.
One of ATF’s main jobs is to help local law enforcement agencies track down shooters and solve cases, including assisting with investigations. get involved in a shooting incident at Morgan State University in Baltimore last year.
“They play a huge role in a lot of things that local law enforcement doesn’t realize are involved,” Baltimore Police Chief Richard Worley told CBS News about the ATF.
Just a few days ago, ATF agents were among the first on the scene and helped track down the weapons and explosives used in the incident. New Orleans truck attack 14 people died; Tesla Cybertruck explosion In Las Vegas.
Dettelbach said he hopes ATF’s efforts remain a focus no matter who is in charge.
“I believe this agency’s mission to combat violent crime is extremely bipartisan.”
—Robert Legare, Andres Triay and Julia Kimani-Burnham contributed to this report.
and Robert Legare contributed to this report.
scott mcfarlane
