Gaetz also criticized the ATF for potentially driving firearms dealers out of business through inspections and other actions. He highlighted the case of Bryan Malinowski, who was killed by ATF agents in March, just 57 seconds after they arrived at his home. Malinowski, the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, was under ATF scrutiny for his alleged involvement in buying and selling firearms.
Overall, the ATF’s new rule on private gun sales has sparked controversy and criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Gaetz, who question the agency’s authority and the impact of the rule on law-abiding citizens. The debate revolves around the interpretation of the rule and its potential consequences for individuals engaged in selling firearms.
Dettelbach contended that ATF typically only intervenes in cases of intentional violations that pose a threat to public safety, such as selling firearms to individuals with criminal records or failing to conduct background checks.
When questioned about the ATF policy that a single transaction could qualify someone as a dealer, the ATF director clarified that this was just a small portion of a much larger rule. He emphasized that the agency evaluates each situation based on the overall circumstances before making a determination.
The Epoch Times reached out to the ATF for their response.
