IRS and ATF agents raid local gun shop with heavy weaponry.

A Montana Gun Store Owner Targeted by Federal Law Enforcement Operation

A Montana gun store owner is raising concerns after his business was the focus of a federal law enforcement operation involving two agencies.

Tom Van Hoose, owner of Highwood Creek Outfitters in Great Falls, experienced a detailed search of his store when 20 heavily armed federal agents arrived on Wednesday. The Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were involved in the operation.

The search lasted nearly the entire day, leaving only half an hour for Highwood Creek Outfitters to open for business. Van Hoose expressed his frustration, stating, “I got 30 minutes of operating time in and made one $16 sale.”

Van Hoose suspects that his business is being targeted for political reasons, possibly due to the types of weapons they sell. Highwood Creek Outfitters’ inventory includes AR-15 and AK-47 rifles.

Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale criticized the federal agencies for their actions, stating, “This is yet another example of the Biden Administration weaponizing federal agencies to target and harass hardworking Americans.”

Van Hoose revealed that his store has been under federal scrutiny and surveillance for the past two years. He also mentioned that thousands of firearms transaction records were confiscated by the federal agents, covering sales made over the 13 years since he opened the store.

Despite the ordeal, Van Hoose maintains a good relationship with the ATF and emphasizes the importance of following all legal requirements in the gun business.

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