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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
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A quick definition of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a group of people who work for the government to make sure that people follow the laws about guns, alcohol, and tobacco. They investigate when people break these laws and try to stop bad things from happening, like explosions or fires. The leader of the ATF is chosen by the President and approved by the Senate, and the people who work for the ATF are called Special Agents. They often work with local police to keep people safe. One big thing the ATF did was investigate a group of people who were making illegal guns in Texas, which led to a big fight and a long standoff.
A more thorough explanation:
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates violations of federal firearm, alcohol, and tobacco laws. The ATF's mission is to protect the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. They also regulate lawful commerce in firearms and explosives and provide support to law enforcement, public safety, and industry partners.
The ATF Director, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, leads the ATF. ATF Special Agents conduct most of the ATF's activities. The U.S. Code establishes the ATF and directs it to investigate criminal and regulatory violations of federal firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol, and tobacco smuggling laws. The ATF often works with local law enforcement agencies.
For example, the ATF investigated David Koresh and his cult, the Branch Dravidians, in Waco, Texas, in 1992. The ATF investigated the Branch Dravidian's illegal production of machine guns and assault rifles. When ATF agents attempted to raid Koresh's compound, a two-and-a-half-hour-long gunfight ensued, and four ATF agents lost their lives. After a 51-day standoff, cult members set the compound on fire, and the ATF seized the compound.