The FBI Supports the Proposed Transfer of the Criminal Enforcement Authorities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to the Department of Justice

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III released the following statement:

The FBI supports the proposed transfer of the criminal enforcement authorities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to the Department of Justice (DOJ). We have been working closely with the DOJ and with the Treasury Department to ensure that any legislation effectuating such a transfer would preserve the ATF’s existing criminal and regulatory enforcement authorities.

The most recent collaborative effort between the FBI and the ATF was the multi-jurisdictional investigation into the sniper attacks in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The sharing of information, the collection and analysis of evidence, and the coordination between the two agencies and others was superb. The FBI believes that the establishment of the ATF as a component of the DOJ would further enhance the seamless coordination of future joint investigations. The FBI has the utmost respect for the men and women of the ATF and supports legislation which would establish them as an agency within the DOJ.