WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 23: Former special agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) David Chipman testifies during a hearing before the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force January 23, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The Biden administration has pulled a second nomination, this time withdrawing the pick for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives director. Reports on Thursday confirmed David Chipman would no longer be in the running to become the head of the ATF.
Chipman was heavily criticized for his blatant targeting of Second Amendment rights and his partisan record. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-Ky.) called it absurd that a vocal opponent of America’s constitutional rights was ever picked to run the ATF.
McConnell took to Twitter stating, “glad to hear reports the White House is taking my advice and pulling the terrible nomination of David Chipman. This is a win for the Second Amendment and law-abiding American citizens.”
This was my letter opposing David Chipman's ATF nomination due to his long history of radical gun control agendas.
Proud to say that today Chipman was removed as a nominee! https://t.co/T0XHeb1wfv
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) September 9, 2021
In the meantime, Biden released a statement where he continued to blame Republicans for his failures, saying the GOP is using gun crime as a political talking point.
“Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have made clear that they intend to use gun crime as a political talking point instead of taking serious steps to address it,” said Biden. “That’s why they’ve moved in lockstep to block David Chipman’s confirmation and it’s why they side with gun manufacturers over the overwhelming majority of the American people in opposing commonsense measures like universal background checks.”
Chipman responded saying it was an honor to be nominated and continued to advocate for someone who is accountable to the public.
“I knew this confirmation process would be difficult and while ultimately we weren’t successful, it remains essential that ATF is led by a confirmed director who is accountable to the public and places no special interests before the safety of our children and our communities.”
Source: One America News Network
