The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has significantly increased the number of Federal Firearms Licenses (FFL) it has revoked across the United States since 2021. Over the past three years, the ATF has revoked a total of 250 licenses, with the number of revocations in 2023 alone being over 30 times higher than in 2021. Among these, eight FFL licenses were revoked in the state of Kansas.
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is required for any business or individual involved in the manufacturing, importing, or dealing of firearms. The ATF has the authority to revoke these licenses if the licensee violates the Gun Control Act. Common violations include transferring firearms to prohibited persons, failing to conduct mandatory background checks, falsifying records, failing to respond to ATF trace requests, and refusing to allow ATF inspections.
This heightened enforcement effort by the ATF is part of a broader Gun Crime Prevention Strategy announced on June 23, 2021, by President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The strategy emphasizes increased inspections of FFL holders and prioritizes the revocation of licenses for those who violate regulations. Garland highlighted that the strategy aims to reduce violent crime by addressing the flow of illegal guns, although he acknowledged that success would require a collective effort from various stakeholders.
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has been a vocal critic of the ATF’s stringent enforcement measures. Kobach argues that many of the recent license revocations have been for relatively minor paperwork errors rather than serious infractions that pose a threat to public safety. In an op-ed for the Washington Times, Kobach contended that what would have previously resulted in a simple corrective action now leads to the closure of businesses. He noted that eight Kansas-based FFL holders were among those whose licenses were revoked under the current administration’s policies.
The specific Kansas FFL holders who lost their licenses include:
- Leslie E Gifford in Burlington
- Jesse James Gun Shop LLC in Edson
- Blue Valley Sales Inc. in Overland Park
- Ronald G. Sturgeon in Osborne
- Charles A. Harter in McPherson
- Holt Tactical Solutions LLC in Kansas City
- Attica Systems LLC in Wichita
- John Gordon Downey in Wichita
The reasons for these revocations varied, with some licensees accused of failing to conduct background checks, providing false statements on ATF records, transferring firearms before background checks were cleared, and approving concealed carry permits without the necessary background checks. One case involved an alleged flood and subsequent burning of ATF records, further complicating the compliance landscape for FFL holders.
FFL holders who find themselves out of compliance and facing revocation have the right to appeal the decision in federal court. The appeals process provides a legal avenue for these licensees to contest the ATF’s findings and potentially regain their licenses.
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In addition to the revocations, the ATF reported that four FFL licensees in Kansas voluntarily ceased operations, underscoring the impact of heightened regulatory scrutiny on the firearms industry. As the ATF continues to enforce stringent measures, the landscape for firearm dealers remains complex and challenging, with compliance being more critical than ever to maintaining licensure and continuing operations.
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