By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Continuing what appears to be a major turnaround of philosophy and management at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, President Donald Trump has nominated Robert Cekada, currently ATF deputy director, to head the agency, and the news is getting a positive reaction from many in the firearms community.
Ammoland Editor-in-Chief Fredy Riehl writes, “Cekada’s selection has already earned high praise from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade group representing firearm manufacturers, retailers, and ranges.”
Alan Gottlieb, chairman at the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, said in a statement to the media, “He brings considerable experience, along with what we believe are truly pro-Second Amendment views, which would be a delightful change from the previous administration.
“Having someone with his institutional knowledge taking the helm could be what the agency needs to straighten its course,” Gottlieb added. “We will look forward to the confirmation process, where his views about gun ownership and the Second Amendment will be on full display.”
According to an online biography, Cekada started his career as a special agent in the ATF’s Baltimore Field Division’s Hyattsville II Field Office. He then moved to the Tampa Field Division, and then transferred to ATF headquarters as a project officer in the Firearms Operations Division’s Frontline Branch office. He went on to become Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Division, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Miami Field Division and the Baltimore Field Division, Deputy Assistant Director Central, Field Operation, and Executive Assistant Director – Operations, Office of the Director.
“In his role as Deputy Director, we have worked closely with Robert Cekada to ensure law-abiding gun owners have a seat at the table in shaping policy,” said Knox Williams, president and executive director of the American Suppressor Association. “If confirmed, he would be the first ever truly pro-Second Amendment nominee to head the agency. By nominating an ATF Director who understands our community and respects our constitutional rights, President Trump and his administration are further underscoring their commitment to standing up for the Second Amendment and gun owners. We urge the Senate to confirm him without delay.”
Cekada reportedly “played a major role” in reversing ATF’s “zero tolerance” policy, which was adopted during the Biden administration. The goal was to put as many FFLs out of business for minor clerical errors. All of that came to a halt when the current administration was sworn into office in January.
