The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) has partnered with five other organizations, including the Second Amendment Foundation, to express their strong opposition to a proposed merger between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, they argue that this merger would pose serious threats to Second Amendment rights.
CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb highlights the importance of keeping the ATF as a standalone agency with limited resources. He asserts that the ATF’s track record, particularly in recent years, demonstrates its unfriendly stance toward law-abiding gun owners. The history of incidents like Waco, Ruby Ridge, and Operation Fast & Furious are cited as examples of the agency’s problematic behavior. Gottlieb warns that merging with the DEA could lead to increased funding and resources for the ATF, fostering a more aggressive enforcement approach that could threaten citizens’ rights to bear arms.
The coalition of organizations, which also includes Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Gun Owners of California, Second Amendment Law Center, and the California Rifle & Pistol Association, stresses that the proposed merger deviates from President Trump’s policy agenda and undermines the accountability of the ATF. Their letter lists multiple reasons against the merger, portraying it as a step towards creating a “super-entity of gun control enforcers” that could adversely affect the Second Amendment community.
As a positive reflection of community engagement, this coalition emphasizes the need for collaboration among advocacy groups to protect constitutional rights. Their concerted efforts indicate ongoing vigilance in the face of potential governmental overreach, underscoring the importance of preserving individual liberties in a democratic society. The conversation surrounding the ATF’s role is vital as it affects the broader dialogue about gun rights and regulations in the U.S.