(Fox News) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach came under fire on Tuesday for once again failing to provide a definition to the term “assault weapon” despite leading the government agency dealing with firearms.
Dettelbach appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee where he was questioned by Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, to define an assault weapon.
“As a gun owner of many different types and a 20-year military veteran, I have some expertise in weaponry and self-defense weapons. In 15 seconds, would you define an ‘assault weapon’ for me?” Ellzey asked.
ATF Director Steve Dettelbach appeared at a House subcommittee hearing on Tuesday. (House Committee )
“I’ll go shorter than that, because honestly, if Congress wishes to take that up, I think Congress would have to do the work, but we would be there to provide technical assistance. I, unlike you, am not a firearms expert to the same extent as you maybe, but we have people at ATF who can talk about velocity of firearms, what damage different kinds of firearms cause, so that whatever determination you chose to make would be an informed one.” Dettelbach answered.
Dettelbach’s denial to give a definition as well as his past support for an assault weapons ban was blasted by Twitter users as proof of his ineptitude.
“ATF Director Dettelbach, ‘I’m not a firearms expert…’ So why is he leading the agency responsible for overseeing federal firearms law?” Florida State Board of Education member Ryan Petty asked.
ATF Director Dettelbach, “I’m not a firearms expert…” So why is he leading the agency responsible for overseeing federal firearms law? pic.twitter.com/FcZgGWBwd6
— Ryan Petty (@rpetty) April 18, 2023
Attorney Kostas Moras wrote, “He admits he isn’t a firearms expert, and I appreciate that honesty. But then, why is he head of the ATF? Does he know a lot about alcohol or tobacco or something?”
He admits he isn’t a firearms expert, and I appreciate that honesty. But then, why is he head of the ATF? Does he know a lot about alcohol or tobacco or something? https://t.co/e6dcf5JOOg
— Kostas Moros (@MorosKostas) April 18, 2023
Townhall.com columnist Derek Hunter joked, “’If it looks like anything Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Statham or Willis ever held in a movie it is scary and needs to be banned.’”
“If it looks like anything Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Statham or Willis ever held in a movie it is scary and needs to be banned.” https://t.co/rVipexyv4L
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) April 18, 2023
Steve Dettelbach was confirmed as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in July. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“Biden’s ATF Director wants an ‘assault weapons’ ban but can’t define an assault weapon and says he’s not an expert on guns like the Veteran/Congressman asking him is. Again, this guy leads the agency focused on alcohol, tobacco and FIREARMS. Lunacy,” Director and producer Robby Starbuck blasted.
