Matt Gaetz claims ATF retaliated against Florida whistleblower.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Accuses ATF of Retaliating Against Whistleblower
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has made serious allegations against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), claiming that they are retaliating against a whistleblower who testified before Congress. In a letter addressed to ATF Director Steve Dettelbach, Gaetz expressed his concerns and demanded answers.
Harassment of Chris Smith
Gaetz specifically mentioned Chris Smith, a federal firearms licensee and one of Gaetz’s constituents, who testified about ATF mistreatment during a congressional hearing in June. According to Gaetz, ATF agents have been aggressively targeting and harassing Smith ever since.
“After Chris’ testimony at my Field Hearing on the Weaponization of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF agents showed up at his business unprompted to inspect a manufacturer’s license he has held for only six months: Given Chris has not yet used the license, the agents had nothing to inspect and had no choice but to leave,” Gaetz wrote.
Gaetz further pointed out that the ATF had already audited Smith’s retail license within the past year. Since the ATF is prohibited from auditing the same business twice in one year, Gaetz argued that the only reason for the continued harassment was to audit Smith’s new, unused manufacturer’s license.
“The local ATF agent admitted that he had no records Chris was using the license, but nevertheless received a direct order to audit Chris’ new license,” Gaetz added, citing the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, which limits ATF inspections to once a year with reasonable cause or a warrant.
Additionally, Gaetz accused the ATF agents of “stalking” Smith and his business, highlighting an incident involving Christian O’Brien, Smith’s store manager.
“In addition to this violation of federal law, the ATF showed up uninvited to the home of Christian O’Brien, Chris’ store manager, without making an appointment, as he does not have business hours,” Gaetz wrote. “Christian does not sell any firearms or perform any business on behalf of Gulf Coast Gun. Christian was not home at the time, so the agents called him and told him: ‘Don’t worry, we know where you work.’ This kind of stalking is unwarranted and creepy.”
Seeking Answers
Concluding his letter, Gaetz demanded that Director Dettelbach provide explanations for the agents’ behavior by answering a list of questions. Gaetz aims to uncover the reasoning behind the alleged retaliation and harassment.
It remains to be seen how the ATF will respond to these serious accusations made by Rep. Matt Gaetz.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...