FBI Director Replaced Amid Justice Department Restructuring Efforts

WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) – FBI Director Kash Patel was removed from his position as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Wednesday and replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, according to seven sources familiar with the situation.

Driscoll will retain his role as Army Secretary while also overseeing the ATF, an agency within the U.S. Justice Department, as confirmed by three anonymous sources. The timing of Patel’s removal remains unclear, with his photo and title still displayed on the ATF’s website as of Wednesday afternoon.

The leadership change occurs amidst ongoing internal discussions within the Justice Department regarding a potential merger of the ATF with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a cost-cutting measure. A Justice Department official verified the transition but did not elaborate on the reasons for Patel’s removal from the ATF.

Patel had assumed the role of Acting Director at the ATF only a few days after being sworn in as FBI Director in late February. The short tenure has raised questions about stability within the ATF during a critical time for law enforcement.

“The changes in leadership should not affect ongoing operations,” said a Justice Department representative who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Assessments are being made to ensure that the highest level of public safety is maintained.”

This shift in leadership comes as the country grapples with discussions about the future roles and funding of federal agencies that specialize in firearms and drug enforcement amid increased scrutiny over their functions.