ATF HQ

Official ATF X account.
1-888-ATF-TIPS or [email protected]
We do not collect information through this account:

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF is proposing major updates to Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) and its regulations. The changes would:
•Streamline identity and residency verification
•Extend the validity period of NICS background checks
•Clarify background check exceptions
•Allow electronic notices, electronic forms, auto-population, and digital attachments

These updates modernize the process, reduce administrative burdens on FFLs and law-abiding customers, and align regulations with current law while keeping strong safeguards in place. Read the proposal and comment at https://t.co/lxKzk0AVg0. #NewEra

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

During an interview with @Guns_Gadgets, ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider offers a lesson in history about laws and the rulemaking process delegated down to agencies.

#NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

.@ATFDirectorRC reads the comments! Providing the best service possible while addressing legitimate concerns of the American public within the parameters of the law is one of his goals.

#NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider discusses why modernizing the ATF Form 4473 was necessary. Confusing questions led people not completing the form, which in turn inhibited their freedom.

#NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

.@ATFDirectorRC gets candid about how ATF's aging IT systems affect eForms processing backlogs and how modernization can help.

#NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

.@Guns_Gadgets asked ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider about reducing burdens for law abiding gun owners. His answer is direct: “We sat there with the rulebook …”

#NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF Kansas City @ATFKansasCity]

Ernest Lucas, 53, of Kansas City, Kansas, will spend 300 months in prison for his role in a large-scale meth trafficking operation. ATF agents traced Lucas' supply network to a stash house, where investigators recovered 100+ pounds of meth and eight firearms. A search of Lucas' own home turned up 12 more firearms, over $11,000 in cash, and 274 grams of meth.
Codefendant Chaz Hicks was sentenced to 200 months. Three additional codefendants await sentencing. @ATFKansasCity investigated this case with the @KCKPolice.

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

A previously convicted Lakeland County felon was sentenced to 30 years this week for killing a 70-year-old grandmother and injuring three others during a Christmas Eve shootout in 2020. The sentencing of Taqiy Lewis follows an ATF investigation that used #NIBIN to confirm that a 9mm pistol recovered at an unrelated 2023 investigation was the firearm used in the 2020 shooting. @ATF_Tampa, @FBI, and @LakelandPD investigated. More at https://t.co/Ot48JyorCr. #WeAreATF #CrimeGunIntel

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

#ICYMI: @ATFDirectorRC joined our federal partners in Chicago to highlight the strength of the #HSTF. During Operation New Dawn, ATF worked with local partners to remove more than 300 violent offenders off Chicago’s streets as part of a 60-day operation to combat violence in the city. @ATF_Chicago

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

.@ATFHou , @NSSF, @USAO_WDTX, @SATXPolice, and @Sheriff_BexarCo announced a renewed effort to stop straw purchasing of firearms in San Antonio. The #DontLieForTheOtherGuy campaign aims to educate the public that making a straw purchase – buying a firearm for someone who can’t buy one for themselves – can buy you 15 years in prison. Learn more at https://t.co/DlWEoUy8Q3.

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF strongly encourages broad public participation in its regulatory process . We’ve released several Notices of Proposed Rulemaking and encourage comments from firearms licensees, industry partners, stakeholders, gun owners, and the public. Your input helps us create clearer, fairer rules that protect Second Amendment rights while prioritizing public safety.

The comment periods are open now and closing between Aug. 4 - 6, 2026, at https://t.co/4mwN8WYtiZ. #NewEra #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

#ICYMI: More than 300 violent offenders are now off Chicago’s streets as part of a 60-day operation to combat violence in the city. @ATFDirectorRC joined @NDILnews to highlight the results of Operation New Dawn, including arrests made for kidnapping, child exploitation, firearms and drug trafficking, and other federal violent crimes. As part of the operation, 24 missing children were safely recovered. Read more at https://t.co/YwRjun4N4d. #CrimeGunIntel #NIBIN #WeAreATF @ATF_Chicago

[ATF Philadelphia @ATFPhiladelphia]

ATF Offers $5k Reward in Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center Arson

@ATFPhiladelphia is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the arson of the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center.

In conjunction with @PhillyPolice and @PhillyFireDept, ATF Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force requests the public’s assistance for their investigation of the incident that took place at the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue on July 5, 2026.

ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), [email protected] or text “ATFPHI” to 63975.

PPD at 215-686-TIPS (8477), [email protected] or https://t.co/WVq3ME1T3D.

#ATFtips

See News Release ⬇️
https://t.co/ch3Zwg24pk

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF is proposing to rescind the requirement for Federal Firearms Licensees to post the ATF I 5300.1 sign and provide the ATF I 5300.2 written notice to handgun purchasers regarding the Youth Handgun Safety Act. The 1998 regulation is no longer needed as the law has been in effect for more than 30 years and is now readily accessible. The change would reduce an unnecessary burden on FFLs. Read the proposal and comment at https://t.co/SIVwUQmpRu. #NewEra

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

In the direct final rule entitled, “Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers” ATF stated that if significant adverse comments were received by June 5 the rule would not take effect, and ATF would publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register. ATF has subsequently received significant adverse comments on this direct final rule and is therefore withdrawing the rule. Effective July 6, 2026, direct final rule 1140-AA61 that was published on May 6, 2026, is withdrawn. #NewEra

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros recently sat down with our interns to share valuable insights, career advice, and words of encouragement as they take the next step in their education and professional journeys.

ATF will start accepting applications for Spring 2027 interns in September. Follow https://t.co/vFbPGmtPjK for the most up to date information and to learn more.

@NDILnews @ATFHQ

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF is proposing to define “willfully” in DOJ regulations that implement the Gun Control Act. The definition follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s standard in Bryan v. United States: a person acts willfully when they know their conduct is unlawful, even if they are not aware of the specific statute or rule being violated. This provides clearer guidance for license suspension, revocation, and civil penalty actions. Read the proposal and comment at https://t.co/ZIp2MXGBah. #NewEra

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

By working with local and state law enforcement partners, ATF is on the frontlines, protecting communities from violent criminals every single day.

Watch ATF Director Robert Cekada’s full interview with Colion Noir at https://t.co/u9jxR4zSHV. #WeAreATF

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Our condolences go out to the @PAStatePolice and the family and friends of Trooper Michael Pahira, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty. Trooper Pahira served with the state police for almost 20 years. #LODD #EOW @ATFPhiladelphia