In a development that has sent shockwaves through the gun industry, a recent crackdown by the Biden administration has led to the revocation of hundreds of gun dealers’ licenses, prompting claims of bias and political targeting. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) revoked the licenses of 122 gun dealers during the last fiscal year, a significant increase from the previous years. The numbers show a clear departure from the Trump and Obama presidencies, during which the maximum licenses revoked in a year never exceeded 81.
Gun dealers who have lost their licenses are expressing strong frustration and suspicion that they are being singled out for political reasons. Many claim that they are being unfairly penalized for minor paperwork errors, suggesting that the administration’s aim to curb gun violence might be overshadowing legitimate business concerns. Anthony Navarro, a gun dealer who lost his license after receiving warnings for legal violations, emphasized the economic toll the crackdown has taken on businesses, stating, “We were making $1 million a year, now it’s less than $100,000.” Navarro further characterized the policy as a surreptitious infringement on the Second Amendment.
The Biden Administration continues its attack on law-abiding Americans to crush Second Amendment rights, rather than go after actual criminals like Hunter Biden who lie on the ATF background check.https://t.co/EKYln1hvaz
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 19, 2023
While some in the gun industry voice concern over the potential chilling effect of the crackdown on their collaboration with law enforcement, others question the logic behind targeting dealers who have traditionally assisted in identifying suspicious gun buyers. Peter Forcelli, a retired deputy assistant director, pointed out that gun dealers have historically served as a crucial line of defense against gun trafficking and questioned the wisdom of potentially alienating this valuable resource.
The Biden Administration continues its attack on law-abiding Americans to crush Second Amendment rights, rather than go after actual criminals like Hunter Biden who lie on the ATF background check.https://t.co/EKYln1hvaz
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 19, 2023
In response to the mounting criticism, the ATF released a statement to Fox News Digital, asserting that their actions are in accordance with the law. The statement emphasized the important role of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in combatting gun crime, as they often provide critical enforcement information that helps identify illicit firearms transactions. The ATF spokesperson, Kristina Mastropasqua, clarified that while FFLs play a vital role, those who willfully violate the law must be held accountable. The agency maintains that its inspections are designed to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws while educating licensees about their specific obligations.
