Kash Patel Removed As Acting ATF Director

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kash Patel has been removed from his role as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, officials confirmed on April 9.

The Justice Department has not publicly addressed the leadership change, which was first reported by Reuters. As of April 9 afternoon, Patel’s photo and title remained on the ATF’s website.

Patel, who continues to serve as FBI director, was appointed acting ATF director on February 24—just three days after being sworn in to lead the FBI. His dual leadership of both agencies was seen as highly unusual.

A Justice Department official stated Patel’s removal was not related to his job performance but offered no further details. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Driscoll has assumed the ATF role in an acting capacity while retaining his position as Army Secretary.

The shakeup comes amid internal Justice Department discussions over a potential merger between the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration, a move aimed at cutting costs.

Patel’s surprise appointment in February drew criticism within the Justice Department. A viral photo of him with White House adviser Sebastian Gorka added to the controversy. Insiders say Patel briefly visited ATF headquarters after his swearing-in but was largely absent thereafter.

The leadership instability has raised alarms. “It’s heartbreaking to see the ATF in this position,” said Peter Forcelli, a former ATF assistant director, to Reuters. “The agency is caught in political crossfire, and that’s deeply concerning.”