Rep. Eric Burlison Aims to Abolish the ATF, Citing Violations of Second Amendment Rights

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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