Biden Administration's ATF Revokes Hundreds of Licenses in Effort to Crack Down on Gun Dealers

The Biden Administration Cracks Down on Gun Dealers

The Biden administration has taken action to revoke the licenses of numerous gun dealers as part of a crackdown on the industry. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has already rescinded the licenses of 122 gun dealers this fiscal year, in addition to the 90 licenses revoked last year. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, with the highest number of licenses revoked in a single year prior to this being 81 in 2013. The ATF had only pulled 27 licenses in fiscal year 2021. This move by the Biden administration represents a shift in approach towards the gun industry, which law enforcement had previously viewed as an important ally.

Previous Approach of the ATF

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been cautious in revoking gun dealers' licenses in the past. This is because licensed gun sellers play a crucial role in assisting law enforcement by identifying suspicious customers and cooperating in investigations related to illegal gun sales. Instead of completely revoking licenses, the ATF has often opted to issue warnings to dealers.

Retired ATF deputy assistant director Peter Forcelli criticized the Biden administration's approach towards gun dealers, stating that they were previously seen as the first line of defense against gun trafficking and should not be treated as adversaries. He questioned why they are now being targeted. However, other former officials argue that the administration's more aggressive approach is necessary because some gun dealers have taken advantage of previous administrations' leniency and need to be held accountable for breaking the rules.

The ATF's Focus on Enforcing Gun Laws

The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) is facing criticism for its approach to enforcing gun laws. According to retired ATF official Rick Vasquez, the agency had a more lenient attitude in the past, which some gun dealers took advantage of. However, the ATF has stated that it is now focused on enforcing the law and holding gun dealers accountable for any violations. The agency believes that licensed gun dealers play a crucial role in preventing gun crime and providing information to law enforcement. Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as to educate licensees on their specific requirements.

Criticism and Controversy

The Biden administration's actions towards licensed gun dealers have been criticized by some who believe they are being overly hostile and acting in bad faith. The ATF, with its 816 industry operative investigators, oversees approximately 50,000 licensed gun dealers nationwide.

The ATF targeted a part-time gun dealer in Oklahoma, raiding his home with seven SUVs full of armed agents. The dealer, Russell Fincher, had invited the agents in after a previous inspection had identified traces on some of his guns and a paperwork error. Fincher eventually agreed to give up his Federal Firearms License (FFL), and the ATF confiscated approximately $50,000 worth of firearms.