Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) has announced his plans to introduce legislation aimed at abolishing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), a federal agency he described as a “disaster” with a long history of infringing on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
Speaking to Fox News Digital and sharing his views on social media, Burlison criticized the ATF for overstepping its authority and undermining constitutional rights. “The ATF has been a disaster for the American people and our God-given Second Amendment rights,” Burlison said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter). He pointed to infamous events like Ruby Ridge, Waco, and the controversial Operation Fast and Furious as examples of the agency’s failures.
I’m introducing legislation in the next Congress to Abolish the ATF! pic.twitter.com/keK0zpmhRJ
— Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) November 20, 2024
Burlison plans to revive the “Abolish the ATF Act,” a measure previously introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in 2023. He emphasized that matters regulated by the ATF should instead be handled at the state level. “States should police what happens in their own borders without federal overreach,” Burlison asserted.
The ATF, established 52 years ago, enforces federal firearm laws and regulations. It faced backlash last year for its attempt to use the National Firearms Act of 1934 to ban pistol braces, a rule later overturned in court. Burlison believes this kind of overreach justifies dismantling the agency.
In response to the criticisms, an ATF spokesperson defended the agency’s work, stating it “provides enormous benefits to the American public through its efforts fighting violent crime every day.”
Burlison’s effort is part of a broader Republican push to reduce federal government influence. He also supports abolishing the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency, arguing that these responsibilities should return to state and local governments.
For Second Amendment advocates, Burlison’s proposal represents a bold step in the fight against federal control over firearms. While his critics highlight the ATF’s role in crime prevention, Burlison and his allies believe that constitutional freedoms come first.
The ATF has shown time and time again it’s more interested in infringing on your rights than enforcing the law. It’s time we eliminate this rogue agency once and for all. #EndTheATF #2Ahttps://t.co/VyzbmUXA5i
— Eric Burlison (@EricBurlison) November 25, 2024
Pro-Gun Or Go Home
For those who champion the right to bear arms, Burlison’s stance reflects a growing frustration with what many see as an unaccountable federal agency trampling individual rights. The move to abolish the ATF resonates strongly with gun owners who view federal intervention as a direct threat to their freedoms.
Burlison’s legislative push is expected in January, and pro-gun supporters are rallying behind hashtags like #EndTheATF and #DefundATF on social media, underscoring the grassroots momentum against federal overreach.
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This rep is right on !! Per the Second and Tenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution only the individual States have any authority concerning the establishment of laws regarding firearms, i.e. the U.S. Constitution expressly forbids any National regulation on firearms.
yes, please, abolish the atf. The agency is unconstitutional on it’s face. The agency is an in your face insult to every American.
fire every agent, secretary and employee and kill their pets!
NO PERSON WHO EVER WORKED FOR atf should ever hold a position of honor in the United States…….Brandon Herrera excepted IF he goes in and destroys the agency.
Yes it’s time to get rid of this unconstitutional alphabet soup agency or reduce thier reach to issues that are relevant like criminals using guns to commit crimes .
Sure. Get Brandon Herrera confirmed, then fire him.
It’s the DC way.
while this is a great idea it is doubtful that this will come to fruition, our reps and senators are part of the problem. a good majority of them are lawyers, and while they are taught about the laws of America they do not adhere to the ideals and wording of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
there should be no batfe for sure, they are just another rogue federal agency run without real oversight and accountability.
we would certainly be better off without them.
I wonder if the milk toast Mike Johnson would take this up for a vote? Or the turtle’s baby John Thune in the Senate?