According to NBC News correspondent Ken Dilanian, longtime ATF lawyer Eric Epstein was forced out of his position after 32 years of service. Dilanian reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Epstein, who spent the last decade as ATF’s senior counsel, was given a stark choice: accept a voluntary buyout or be fired by the end of the day. Epstein chose to take the buyout, but his departure marks a major loss of institutional knowledge at the Bureau, according to Justice Department sources.
Epstein’s Role in Controversial Gun Control Rules
Dilanian noted that Epstein was a principal author of some of the most controversial firearms regulations under the Biden administration. He wrote the now-famous “ghost gun” rule, which cracked down on privately made firearms, and he authored the regulation targeting gun show sales that bypassed background checks. Although that particular rule was later withdrawn by the Trump administration, Epstein’s fingerprints remained on many restrictive measures.
Ammoland: Purge of Anti-Gun Leadership Continues
In a detailed report for Ammoland, journalist John Crump expanded on Epstein’s ouster, framing it as part of a broader trend at the ATF. According to Crump, Epstein’s forced retirement follows the earlier removals of Pam Hicks, former Chief Legal Counsel, and Marvin Richardson, former Deputy Director. Both officials had played key roles in advancing gun control policies that faced major backlash from Second Amendment advocates.
Epstein’s Deep Involvement in Gun Control Policies
Crump emphasized that Epstein was at the heart of many policies considered toxic by the gun rights community. He drafted the “engaged in the business” (EIB) rule, which would have forced private sellers to register as federal firearms licensees (FFLs) even for very small numbers of sales. Crump pointed out that this rule essentially tried to sneak universal background checks through administrative action after Congress refused to pass such laws.
Pistol Braces and Ghost Guns: Epstein’s Other Projects
Epstein also had a major role in drafting the pistol brace rule, reclassifying millions of legally owned pistols into highly regulated short-barreled rifles (SBRs). As Crump explained, owners who failed to register their braced pistols could have faced 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per violation. Courts later blocked the rule for violating administrative law. Epstein also worked on the frames and receivers rule targeting so-called “ghost guns,” which the Supreme Court upheld.
John Crump News: Epstein’s Behind-the-Scenes Influence
On his YouTube channel, John Crump described Epstein as one of the most powerful hidden figures behind nearly every recent gun control push. In his recent video, Crump bluntly stated, “everything terrible we despise” at the ATF had Epstein’s hand behind it. Despite Epstein staying out of the public spotlight, his behind-the-scenes legal work shaped some of the strictest regulations the gun community faced over the last decade.
GOA Highlights Epstein’s Removal as a Victory
Gun Owners of America (GOA), through a video hosted by Ben Sanderson, celebrated Epstein’s departure as a “huge win for gun owners.” Sanderson called Epstein a “mastermind” behind many unconstitutional actions at ATF, including revoking state concealed carry permits as background check alternatives. GOA has fought many of the rules Epstein helped draft, and Sanderson credited Attorney General Pam Bondi for “cleaning house” at the agency.
A Career Riddled With Controversy
Epstein’s long career was not without scandal. According to Crump and GOA, Epstein served as Division Counsel for the ATF’s Phoenix Field Office during Operation Wide Receiver, which eventually evolved into the disastrous Operation Fast and Furious. That operation allowed firearms to end up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels, ultimately leading to the death of U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. Epstein’s involvement left lasting scars on ATF’s reputation.
A Shift the ATF Needed
From my perspective, Epstein’s removal signals something bigger than just personnel changes. It feels like a long-overdue shift away from an era where bureaucrats quietly rewrote laws without congressional approval. Americans deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to their constitutional rights. Epstein’s departure might not fix everything at ATF, but it’s an important step toward rebuilding trust.
Institutional Knowledge vs Institutional Abuse
It’s worth noting, as Ken Dilanian reported, that some DOJ officials lamented Epstein’s loss of “institutional knowledge.” That’s understandable – losing decades of expertise isn’t easy for any agency. But when that “knowledge” is used primarily to expand government power at the expense of citizen rights, maybe it’s a loss worth celebrating. Institutions shouldn’t exist just to accumulate power – they should serve the people they’re meant to protect.
Who’s Next?
As John Crump and others have speculated, the question now is: Who’s next? With Epstein, Hicks, and Richardson gone, it’s clear that the Trump administration is serious about reshaping the ATF’s leadership. Gun rights advocates are hopeful that future appointees will have more respect for the Constitution – and fewer ambitions to regulate away the Second Amendment through bureaucratic tricks.
A New Era for Gun Rights?
The departure of Eric Epstein marks a potentially major turning point. Reporters like Ken Dilanian, John Crump, and activists like Ben Sanderson all agree that Epstein was a central figure in pushing aggressive gun control through the back door. With his exit, and others like him following, the door might finally be open for a more constitutionally grounded ATF. Time will tell if this marks a true new era – or just a brief pause in the constant fight for gun rights.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.