ATF head B Todd Jones resigns in the of ammo ban backlash
The director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives resigned on Friday, possibly related to the “backdoor ammo ban” of the 5.56 M855 bullets for the AR-15.
ABC News reported that B. Todd Jones will take a job in New York City, possibly with a professional sports league and his resignation will be effective March 31. This has now been confirmed by the ATF via Twitter.
B. Todd Jones to depart @ATFHQ. http://t.co/ZMoplVltRK — ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) March 20, 2015
Photo/Arthurrh via wikimedia commons
“ATF employees are hard-working, dedicated individuals who serve the public to make our nation safer every day,” said Jones. “I have seen firsthand their extraordinary commitment to combatting violent crime, ridding the streets of criminals, and leveraging all available resources to keep our communities safe,” Jones said in a statement. “I will truly miss leading and working side-by-side with these men and women in their pursuit of ATF’s unique law enforcement and regulatory mission.”
“On March 31, 2015, I will be leaving ATF and Federal government service and returning to the private sector. I am pleased to tell you that Deputy Director Tom Brandon will serve as Acting Director upon my departure.
When I came to ATF in August 2011 to serve as the Acting Director, I only expected to stay about 18 months; I was fortunate to stay more than three years, part of that as a Senate-confirmed Director. During that time, as a result of your efforts, ATF has continued – efficiently and effectively – to protect the public and make a difference in the communities it serves,” Jones said.
Attorney General Eric Holder has also released a statement about Jones’ departure.
According to Townhall, ATF received a record breaking 300,000 comments about a February 2015 proposal to ban common AR-15 M855 “green tip” ammunition. ATF pulled the proposal after pressure from Congress and because the vast majority of comments were against the ban.
In the meantime Acting Director Tom Brandon will be in charge.
