B. Todd Jones, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced Friday that he will be stepping down from his position effective March 31.
“ATF employees are hard-working, dedicated individuals who serve the public to make our nation safer every day,” said Jones in a press release. “I have seen firsthand their extraordinary commitment to combatting violent crime, ridding the streets of criminals, and leveraging all available resources to keep our communities safe.”
“I will truly miss leading and working side-by-side with these men and women in their pursuit of ATF’s unique law enforcement and regulatory mission,” Jones added.
After being nominated by President Obama on Jan. 24, 2013, Jones officially took charge of the agency on July 31, 2013. However, prior to becoming the director, Jones served as “acting director” of the agency from Aug. 31, 2011 until the time his position became official.
Jones took over after the previous director resigned following fallout from the fatally-flawed gun running program known as Operation Fast and Furious, which sent over 2,000 firearms over the border into Mexico. Many of those firearms ended up in the hands of known drug cartels.
The ATF said Jones left to “pursue opportunities in the private sector.” Though, rumors are circulating that Jones’ departure had something to do with the agency’s failed attempt to ban the popular AR-15 ammunition M855, or “green tips.” However, those rumors have yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon will serve as acting director starting in April. Brandon was appointed Deputy Director of ATF in October 2011.
BREAKING: @ATFHQ director Todd Jones leaving the agency amid controversy over a proposed bullet ban. @thehill
— Tim Devaney (@timdevaney) March 20, 2015
Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement:
“Throughout his tenure as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Todd Jones has cemented his reputation as an exemplary leader, a consummate professional, and an outstanding public servant. Since 2011, when I asked Todd to serve as Acting Director of ATF, he has made bold changes, advanced forward-looking policies, and taken innovative steps to strengthen ATF’s investigative capabilities—including ballistic imaging technology that recently played a critical role in the investigation of the shooting of two police officers. With his guidance, ATF has implemented its Frontline business model—a data-driven approach designed to ensure the agency can focus its resources to achieve maximum impact. The agency has developed groundbreaking law enforcement initiatives across the country to combat violent crime and bring dangerous criminals to justice. And as a result of Todd’s leadership, ATF has built a proactive, creative, and effective team that is well-prepared to drive the agency into the future.
“As a former officer in the United States Marine Corps, a highly talented prosecutor, and a proven leader who has been named a U.S. Attorney by two different presidents, Todd Jones has never hesitated to answer the call to serve his community and his country with exceptional integrity and uncommon distinction. As the first ever Senate-confirmed Director of ATF, his indelible legacy will serve as an inspiring example for all those who follow him. On behalf of the Department of Justice, I thank him for his extraordinary service and wish him all the best as he takes the next steps in his already remarkable career.”
Flush the whole toilet not one turd.the few legit functions can be done by fbi.atf should be a acronym describing gun enthusiasts with 2 bad habits.
Mr. Jones has finally had a gut full of the illegal and immoral directives of this tyranntical administration! The unlawful goings on in this administration are truly disgusting at the highest levels. This whole administration feels they are above the law and no part of the law apply’s to them. Tyranny, Tyranny, Tyranny and “we the people” are helpless! May “murphy’s Law” be applied to everyone in this administration that thinks they are going to get away with it all!!!
Can you even imagine what our Domestic Terrorist and Chief will slip into his place?
The worst is yet to come.
Over 600 days left.
Hang on folks.
http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=263&iso=20170120T00&msg=Time%20left%20until%20Obama%20leaves%20office
This man stepping down is no surprise. He most likely saw what the obama adminstration is really about. His speech that was given about him leaving office is the same type of rhetoric that has been spewing out of obama’s lying mouth since he took office. The ATF is not citizen friendly and they are basically obama and holder’s butt boys. Instead of the ATF worrying about law abiding citizens they should be worrying about who they work for. The ATF should be protecting the constitution and the citizens rights in this country against the tyranny developing right before our eyes by the socialist Muslim regime, obama has been pushing since he was placed in office. Obama’s obvious agenda is to cause anarchy, separatism by the races, and total dysfunction in this country. Obama has big money boys like Soros (not his real name) , bloomberg, and other constituents dictating their agendas for United States and the world. It’s very sad to see what is transpiring. Bottom line here folks is all the good law abiding citizens, White, Bl
ack, Hispanic, Asian, etc…that are patriots to the United States need to come together and stop the anti american agenda created by obama and his collaboraters who are hell bent on disarming Americans.. God help us…..
I hear you.
I’m with that same way of thinking.
The ATF has shown a long history of alienating United States citizens of their basic 2nd Amendment rights resulting in unwarranted deaths and destruction of private property. The only proper course would be to abolish this rogue agency which has been the cause of death and suffering in more than just our nation. The ATF has no jurisdiction over law abiding citizens exercising their rights under our United States Constitution, and Bill Of Rights. This pit bull of of our current federal administration is in violation of the highest laws of our land by too many counts to mention here. Abolish it!
abolish the atf? the only problem is that this countries mind set would lead them to build up other agencies to do the same task. all politicians are parasites that feed off money. want something done, buy a congressman.
In general before a high government official “steps down” they ‘step in it.’ Like the previous BATFE director, I doubt he will ever really answer for the reckless conduct during his watch. Hundreds were killed in Mexico as a result of the BATFE intentionally allowing illegal sales not to mention the US border Agent killed. So far the rank and file Agents that did their jobs with integrity faced termination and other cheap shots.
If you don’t make a pet policy fly you are relegated to the group of ex-officials in this administration.