New ATF Director Sworn In
Acting Director B. Todd Jones took the oath of office at the White House. ATF, which enforces firearms and explosives laws, had no permanent director for the past seven years.
B. Todd Jones took his oath of office Aug. 29 as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Vice President Joe Biden administering it at the White House. ATF, which enforces firearms and explosives laws, had not had a permanent director for the past seven years.
Jones had been acting director since being appointed to the post Aug. 31, 2011, and he concurrently was the U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, a post he held since Aug. 7, 2009. "Today is a historic day for ATF," he said Aug. 29. "The agency is now in line with its sister components and has been given the respect it deserves as a federal law enforcement agency with a permanent director. I want Americans to know ATF is full of hard-working, devoted public servants who are committed to the mission of professional law enforcement. I will lead with the same enthusiasm and dedication that I see daily from the team tasked with protecting our communities from the most violent criminals."
"I congratulate Todd on being sworn in as the first-ever Senate-confirmed director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said. "I can think of no one better qualified to lead this critical agency and to reinforce our shared commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in federal law enforcement. For decades, Todd's career has been shaped by a remarkable dedication to public service and a steadfast determination to do that which is just and right. I am confident that he will be a superb ATF director and look forward to continuing to work with him to protect the American people from violent crime."