Official account for ATF's Atlanta Field Division, covering the state of Georgia. 1-888-ATF-TIPS or [email protected]. Information is not collected from here.
Ever considered becoming a federal agent? Now is the time to join!
New agents qualify for up to a $60,000 signing bonus and experienced law enforcement professionals can receive up to $25,000 to transfer. Tackle violent crime involving firearms, arson, and explosives. Enjoy full case ownership from scene to courtroom plus elite opportunities in specialized skills like Certified Fire Investigator, Bomb Technician, or K-9 Handler. Learn more at https://t.co/MkIBtp5pTV. #ATFJobs
ATF is amending regulations to remove the triplicate submission requirement for the attestation when importing plastic explosives on Form 6. Current processing no longer needs three copies, making this an outdated paperwork burden. The change eliminates unnecessary duplication while keeping all substantive importation requirements in place. Read the final rule at https://t.co/F2Z3NG6N8q. #NewEra
ATF is issuing a final rule to implement provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act related to contraband cigarette and smokeless‑tobacco trafficking. The rule lowers the CCTA threshold from more than 60,000 to more than 10,000 cigarettes, adds smokeless tobacco to CCTA coverage, expands who must keep records, adds reporting requirements for certain delivery‑sale businesses, and requires seized products to be used for law‑enforcement operations or destroyed. It does not apply to e‑cigarettes or vaping products. Read the final rule at https://t.co/ToDBniOO7W. #NewEra
OPERATION RED RECOIL: Proud to partner w/ the Richmond Co. Sheriff’s Office, @ga_dps, @FBIAtlanta & @ATFAtlanta to disrupt gang activity & narcotics trafficking in the Augusta area.
— 24 arrested
— 29 firearms recovered
— fentanyl, cocaine & other drugs seized & off the streets
DYK? #NIBIN is ONLY used for criminal investigations and does NOT capture or store ballistic information acquired at the point of manufacture, importation or sale. In its 29-year history, it has generated more than 1 million leads. See some of the examples of violent crimes solved using NIBIN at https://t.co/WhRbdJNVAQ. #CrimeGunIntel
Do you have what it takes to be an ATF Special Agent? New agents can earn up to $60,000 in signing bonuses, and experienced agents may receive up to $25,000 when transferring. Veterans receive hiring preference, age‑waiver opportunities, and access to SkillBridge. If you're ready to make an impact in the fight against violent crime, explore your path forward at https://t.co/MkIBtp5pTV #ATFJobs
The first group of proposals/rules aims to rescind regulatory language that exceeds statutory authority, failed judicial review, or did not achieve their intended outcomes. This group contains three Notices of Proposed Rule Making, and one Final Rule, which includes a proposal to rescind the Stabilizing Brace Rule and an Interim Final Rule to rescind the Engaged in the Business Rule. This group also includes revising the definition of machine gun.
More at https://t.co/KDylKAhyup. #NewEra #WeAreATF
The second group aims to modernize ATF’s compliance and recordkeeping framework to reflect current technology and business practices. This group contains four Notices of Proposed Rule Making and one Direct Final Rule, which includes modernization of ATF Form 4473 and universal electronic recordkeeping for licensees. This group also includes establishing defined records retention periods across federal regulatory frameworks and authorizing FFLs to use eZ check system for license verification.
More at https://t.co/KDylKAhyup. #NewEra #WeAreATF
The third group’s goal is to reduce burden by eliminating administrative requirements that impose costs on law-abiding individuals and businesses. It contains one Final Rule and six Notices of Proposed Rule Making, which includes streamlining NFA firearms transport procedures, and removing the CLEO notification for NFA applications. This group also includes updated machinegun transfer requirements and Special Occupational Taxpayer fee obligations by location.
More at https://t.co/KDylKAhyup. #NewEra #WeAreATF
The fourth group aims to resolve regulatory ambiguity to provide licensees, applicants, and the public with clear, consistent, and actionable guidance. This group contains 12 Notices of Proposed Rule Making, which includes clarifying straw purchase prohibition language, biological sex designation requirements on ATF forms, and the definition of “willfully” for FFL enforcement purposes.
More at https://t.co/KDylKAhyup. #NewEra #WeAreATF
The fifth group of proposals and rules are to align ATF’s regulatory text to reflect statutory changes, judicial decisions, and actions taken by partner agencies. This group contains four Final Rules and two Notices of Proposed Rule Making, which includes codifying NICS background check requirements for NFA firearm making applications, updating ATF import regulations following commerce and state actions, and updating proscribed countries list under the Arms Export Control Act.
More at https://t.co/KDylKAhyup. #NewEra #WeAreATF
Congress gives executive agencies the power to create federal rules to define how laws will be interpreted and enforced. By law, agencies must seek and consider public input before finalizing any rule.
The 6-step process is simple, transparent, and open to the public. Participation strengthens policy; your comments matter. The proposed and final rules submitted last week are beginning to show up in the Federal Register. Review and comment at https://t.co/4mwN8WYtiZ. #NewEra
As we observe National Police Week 2026, ATF honors the courage, dedication, and selfless service of law enforcement officers across the nation, including our own Special Agents. We pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting communities. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. #NationalPoliceWeek #PoliceWeek2026
ATF Director Robert Cekada attended the Blue Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church last week. The 32nd Annual Blue Mass in Washington, D.C., officially opened National Police Week by honoring law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders. The mass also serves as a moment of prayer and remembrance for those who have fallen in the line of duty. #PoliceWeek2026
ATF salutes the extraordinary men and women serving in our nation’s military. We are grateful for your service and for the strong partnership between our military and law enforcement. Thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and your selfless service. We salute you today and every day. #ArmedForcesDay
ATF Director Robert Cekada testified before the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement last week to respond to questions about a variety of issues including the 2nd Amendment, privacy protection, and regulatory proposals. Since January 20, 2025, ATF has arrested ~9,000 criminals and confiscated 44,000 firearms from criminal activities.
ATF's core mission remains clear: combat violent crime, safeguard lawful commerce, and uphold the Constitution. ATF is steadfast in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens while protecting American communities.
The new ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory is purpose-built to transform how law enforcement investigates violent firearms crimes. As the first forensic laboratory to specialize in DNA recovery from fired cartridge cases, FCGIL combines advanced DNA collection and analysis with a high-throughput workflow. This enables rapid development of investigative leads from crime scene evidence and felon-in-possession cases, linking suspects through the national DNA database hits and connecting crimes even when different firearms are used.
“This laboratory is a force multiplier for law enforcement,” said ATF Director Robert Cekada. “It brings together DNA, casing acquisitions into NIBIN, firearm examinations, serial number restoration, latent fingerprints, and intelligence support in one place, allowing us to move faster and provide investigators with the leads they need. Every hour matters in a violent crime investigation, and this facility helps close that gap and strengthens our ability to go after those who use firearms to harm our communities.”
Learn more about ATF labs at https://t.co/BC5rkZ3cvf. #CrimeGunIntel
ATF is removing the two sentences from its regulatory definitions of "machine gun" that included bump stocks. This directly implements the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Garland v. Cargill, which ruled that semiautomatic rifles with bump stocks are not machine guns under the National Firearms Act. The change aligns ATF’s regulations with the statute and the Court’s binding interpretation. Read the final rule at https://t.co/TeqmGKiRQ5. #NewEra