FBI Director Kash Patel has been removed from his role as the acting chief of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Reuters reported citing sources.
Daniel Driscoll, Army Secretary, has taken his place. The move coincides with continuing debates about the Justice Department’s leadership.
On February 24, three days after taking the oath of office as FBI director, Patel was sworn in as acting ATF leader, a position he still holds today. The appointment of a single individual to head two significant Justice Department divisions simultaneously was unprecedented.
According to a Justice Department official, Patel’s removal was unrelated to his work performance. The reason for Patel’s removal was not disclosed by the official. However, as of now, Patel’s photo and title of acting director is still listed on the ATF’s website.
US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll is now serving as acting ATF director, the Justice Department official said. According to three other people with knowledge of the matter, Driscoll will keep both positions, Reuters reported.
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About Daniel Driscoll
Driscoll (38), the secretary of the Army, was sworn in on February 25 following his nomination by Trump and confirmation by the Senate.
As Secretary of the Army, he oversees operations, modernization, and resource allocation for nearly one million Active, Guard, and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians, according to the details on US govt website.
Driscoll was commissioned in 2007 as an Armor Officer through the US Army Officer Candidate School. While on active duty, he led a cavalry platoon in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009. His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge.
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