Megan Bennett Resigns Amidst ATF Shakeup

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is undergoing significant changes as another prominent figure, Megan Bennett, has announced her retirement. Bennett’s departure marks a notable shift, as she was known for her role as the Assistant Director of the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS).

Controversial Underpinnings of Bennett’s Tenure

Bennett’s time in office has not been without controversy. Recently, she faced criticism for presenting a component resembling an 80% lower receiver for an AR-15, which allegedly contravened regulations within Washington, D.C. The law mandates that all AR-15 lower receivers must bear serial numbers and that their transferees complete a background check via the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

“It was clear by the ceremony that Dettelbach didn’t go through background checks,” a source noted.

Policy Advocacy and Legal Challenges

During a recent event, Bennett expressed her pride in implementing policies under the Biden administration, including rules regarding stabilizing devices for pistols. These regulations reclassified certain firearms as short-barreled rifles (SBRs), placing an obligation on millions of Americans to register their firearms with the ATF’s National Firearms Act (NFA) division. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including felony charges and significant fines.

Following the implementation of these rules, several gun rights organizations initiated lawsuits against the ATF, contending violations of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). These challenges focused on the ATF’s methodology of determining classification through the controversial ATF Form 4999, which had been criticized for its ambiguity and lack of consistency from proposed regulations.

Contention Surrounding Pistol Brace Regulations

The legal landscape surrounding pistol brace regulations became especially contentious. Courts issued injunctions against the ATF’s enforcement of its rules on braced pistols, leading many to question Bennett’s position on the ATF’s authority to implement these contentious regulations.

In a particular exchange, a member of the Gun Owners of America (GOA) inquired about the necessity of registering firearms like the CZ Scorpion with pistol braces. The EPS’s response suggested that despite the injunction, the ATF maintained that it could enforce a ban on non-registered braced pistols. Following backlash, however, the EPS was compelled to retract this stance, indicating the complications surrounding the enforcement of these policies.

Ongoing Housecleaning at the ATF

The ATF’s leadership is clearly shifting as part of a broader effort to align its policies with a more second-amendment-friendly approach. Notably, since the start of the year, the agency has seen the removal of several key personnel, including Chief Legal Counsel Pam Hicks, who had been criticized by gun rights advocates. Hicks has been succeeded by Robert Leider, while Marvin Richardson has been replaced by Robert Cekada, both of whom are seen as more favorable toward gun ownership rights.

The changes are a positive development, but the future trajectory of the ATF remains to be seen.

As the landscape of firearm regulations continues to evolve under new leadership, observers are keenly watching how these shifts will affect policy implementation and relations between the ATF and gun owners moving forward.

Conclusion

Megan Bennett’s resignation underscores a turbulent period for the ATF. The agency’s efforts to recalibrate under recent administrative policies reflect the ongoing tensions in the realm of firearm regulations in the United States.