Goodlatte Statement on the Resignation of ATF Director B. Todd Jones

Washington, D.C. – Following the announcement of the resignation of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director B. Todd Jones, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement:

“Nearly four years ago, Director Jones was tasked to lead an embattled agency marred by controversy over the Fast and Furious gun trafficking operation.  Under his leadership, many of those responsible for Fast and Furious never faced any consequences for their actions. We may never know the full scope of the fallout because of the administration’s questionable claim of executive privilege relating to Fast and Furious documents. Jones was also the director when ATF conducted a series of disastrous store front sting operations where individuals with mental impairment were possibly exploited by ATF agents among other questionable tactics.

“Unfortunately, Director Jones’s exit comes after yet another controversy involving plans to ban one of the most popular ammunition rounds for sportsmen. While the plan to ban the ammunition was scrapped due in part to a letter I led and signed by 239 bipartisan members of Congress, it is clear the ATF needs a change in leadership to repair its tarnished image.”