It’s been six years since the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives last had a permanent director.
Now, in the wake of the tragedy at Newtown, more and more questions are being asked about why this government agency isn’t more equipped or successful at fulfilling its mission to curb gun violence.
Aside from a lack of leadership, the ATF is also troubled by legal loopholes, a stagnant budget, and political squabbling with gun rights groups.
Jerry Nunziato, former head of the National Tracing Center and a retired special agent of the ATF for 29 years, explains what’s at stake.
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