Whistleblowers at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are sounding the alarm over a 1,300-page draft document that purports to justify proposed rules that would effectively ban private gun sales, according to a watchdog group. ing.
“The fact that ATF insiders are blowing the whistle on this draft rule shows how difficult a position it will put ATF in. ATF personnel are protected under Article 2. “This is a constitutional amendment that we did not register to go after law-abiding citizens for private sale purposes,” Tristan Leavitt, president of the watchdog group Empower Oversight, said in a press release Wednesday.
The group sent a letter Wednesday morning to Attorney General Merrick Garland and ATF Director Stephen M. Dettelbach, citing whistleblower reports that the agency is preparing to propose rules that would require background checks on most or all gun sales. requested answers and documentation regarding the allegations.
The letter states that the group “has received a 1,300-page document through two ATF sources supporting a rule at the direction of the White House that would effectively prohibit the private sale of firearms from one citizen to another.” “I learned that he had been drafted,” he said. By requiring background checks on every sale. ”
NRA slams Biden administration for plans to change rules for gun buyers and sellers
ATF whistleblowers say the agency drafted a 1,300-page document that effectively bans private gun sales. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The letter comes after the Biden administration has advocated for stronger gun laws, including in August when the ATF introduced ATF2022R-17. The proposed rule, otherwise known as the “Definition of ‘Engaging in the Business of’ as a Firearms Dealer,” amends the agency’s regulations and is part of the bipartisan gun control law signed into law by President Biden in 2022. It would incorporate the provisions of the Safer Communities Act.
Biden vows to ban assault weapons, ‘hell or high water’
Attorney General Merrick Garland (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The watchdog reported that the current draft document is reportedly being overseen by Eric Epstein, a senior policy adviser who previously served as a divisional adviser in the Phoenix field office on the “Fast and Furious” predecessor operation. Ta.
“These broad rules, which treat all civilians the same as federal firearms licensees, give Congress “full legislative authority,” while giving the president “care that the laws are faithfully executed.” It would circumvent the Constitution’s separation of powers, which requires that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed” so long as such a rule prevents the private sale of firearms.” It would also be a clear violation of the Second Amendment, Leavitt said. I have written.
Biden’s proposed budget could pump billions into ATF amid controversial new gun ownership rules
Peter J. Forcelli, retired ATF deputy assistant director, told Fox News that while he doesn’t necessarily agree with the rule requiring Americans to go through the federal firearms licensing process when selling guns to family and friends, he also said: Told. “The reality is the bad guys are still getting guns,” he said.
“People will now go through additional steps to use licensed gun dealers to conduct their transactions,” Forcelli told Fox News’ William La Jeunesse. “…Violent crime is a problem in this country right now. There are a lot of people who are misusing firearms and aren’t being prosecuted. And this Director’s time is spent putting pressure on those U.S. Attorneys. Law enforcement agencies are not up to the task of effectively prosecuting cases involving violent criminals. ”
A customer shops at a gun store in Virginia. (Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
When asked for comment on the watchdog group’s letter, ATF directed Fox News to provide information about the bipartisan Safe Zones Act.
“The bipartisan Safe Communities Act (BSCA), enacted on June 25, 2022, amends the definition of engaging in the trade of firearms and requires that a person invest time, attention, and effort in the trade of firearms as a normal transaction. “We have made sure to include all persons or businesses that derive their profits primarily through the repeated buying and selling of firearms,” ATF said in a comment.
Biden signs gun control bill after mass shootings: ‘Lives will be saved’
“The proposed rule would amend the regulations applicable to the Gun Control Act and, among other things, align those regulations with the new BSCA definitions and clarify the activities that would likely require a license under the revised definitions. ” the statement continued. Unlicensed transactions “compromise the public safety measures required of federal firearms licensees.”
president biden (Screenshot/Biden speech)
The watchdog group’s letter requests records and communications about the scheme, including from the White House and Epstein.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The lessons of the Ruby Ridge and Waco standoffs are that any attempt to enforce such sweeping regulations will force countless ATFs to serve as the face of the Biden administration in going after private owners of constitutionally protected firearms.” It should be clear that field personnel may be at risk of “sales,” the letter adds.
