26-02-2025
Two Missouri lawmakers looking to dismantle the ATF
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two lawmakers representing Missouri are now leading the charge of dismantling the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.
The agency dates back to 1886 but has worked in a standalone capacity since 1972.
The ATF has a field office in Kansas City, so that would mean more locally based federal employees laid off. This agency does a lot of work we don't always see, from leading firearm and arson investigations, to background checks, and making sure firearm dealers are in accordance with federal law.
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Steve Brackeen owns a local gun shop and he calls the agency's role 'critical'.
It was almost two years ago when Brackeen had his gun shop robbed, nearly 50 guns were stolen.
'This was our book keeping. They drove right through the wall, smashed all the furniture and computers into the wall. If the secretary was sitting here, she would have been dead.'
The ATF was the agency tasked with solving this crime.
'Shortly after they broke in, the ATF comes in and of course they start collecting evidence. After a short while, they knew everybody involved and arrested them all.'
The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office stated:
'As a result of our strong collaboration with the ATF, prosecutors are able to secure convictions in firearms and arson cases that might otherwise remain unsolved.'
But two congressmen—Mark Alford and Eric Burlison—are part of a group of GOP lawmakers who want the bureau dissolved.
Alford's team said because of his 'packed schedule,' he couldn't speak on camera but sent FOX4 a statement that in part says:
'The ATF is a rogue bureaucracy with one of the worst track records in law enforcement. Time and again it has infringed on Americans' God-given Second Amendment rights, while inappropriately collecting vast amounts of personal information on law abiding citizens. If this agency is not willing to respect the constitution, it should be abolished, and its authorities reallocated to other departments with a record of following the law.'
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The statement did not provide any evidence supporting those allegations.
'They're the critical part of the gun world. We have to follow their rules and their regulations and keep everything up to date and up to snuff,' Brackeen said.
KCPD told FOX4 today they appreciate their relationships with all federal partners, which includes the ATF
We reached out to the ATF. A spokesperson said they were given a 90-day period where they are not allowed to do media interviews. That person reached out to headquarters and our request was denied.
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