ATF Director Resigns
B. Todd Jones' resignation is effective March 31. Attorney General Eric Holder thanked him for his work as director, saying he "has cemented his reputation as an exemplary leader, a consummate professional, and an outstanding public servant."
B. Todd Jones, director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, announced his resignation March 20, saying he will pursue opportunities in the private sector. His resignation becomes effective March 31, and ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon will serve as acting director upon his departure. Brandon was appointed deputy director of ATF in October 2011.
"ATF employees are hard-working, dedicated individuals who serve the public to make our nation safer every day," Jones said. "I have seen firsthand their extraordinary commitment to combatting violent crime, ridding the streets of criminals, and leveraging all available resources to keep our communities safe. I will truly miss leading and working side-by-side with these men and women in their pursuit of ATF's unique law enforcement and regulatory mission."
President Obama nominated Jones for the position of ATF director on Jan. 24, 2013, and on July 31, 2013, he became the first ATF director in history to receive Senate confirmation. He had served as the acting ATF director since Aug. 31, 2011, as well as the U. S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, a post he held from Aug. 7, 2009, until his confirmation as ATF director.
Attorney General Eric Holder issued a statement thanking Jones for his work as director. "Throughout his tenure as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Todd Jones has cemented his reputation as an exemplary leader, a consummate professional, and an outstanding public servant," Holder said. "Since 2011, when I asked Todd to serve as acting director of ATF, he has made bold changes, advanced forward-looking policies, and taken innovative steps to strengthen ATF's investigative capabilities—including ballistic imaging technology that recently played a critical role in the investigation of the shooting of two police officers. With his guidance, ATF has implemented its Frontline business model—a data-driven approach designed to ensure the agency can focus its resources to achieve maximum impact. The agency has developed groundbreaking law enforcement initiatives across the country to combat violent crime and bring dangerous criminals to justice. And as a result of Todd's leadership, ATF has built a proactive, creative, and effective team that is well-prepared to drive the agency into the future. As a former officer in the United States Marine Corps, a highly talented prosecutor, and a proven leader who has been named a U.S. Attorney by two different presidents, Todd Jones has never hesitated to answer the call to serve his community and his country with exceptional integrity and uncommon distinction. As the first ever Senate-confirmed director of ATF, his indelible legacy will serve as an inspiring example for all those who follow him. On behalf of the Department of Justice, I thank him for his extraordinary service and wish him all the best as he takes the next steps in his already remarkable career."