The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on Monday decided to join the chorus of federal agencies in signaling their virtue by posting about Pride Month on social media. The responses were probably not what the agency expected.
In a post on X, the ATF declared that it was taking a moment to “express our gratitude to our LGBTQI+ colleagues for their enduring support of ATF’s mission and commitment to service” and invited users to learn about the agency’s “diverse community.”
During Pride Month, we take a moment to express our gratitude to our LGBTQI+ colleagues for their enduring support of ATF's mission and commitment to service. Learn about our diverse community at https://t.co/VXfA0FgSxE. #WeAreATF pic.twitter.com/v0fqJf5KKV
— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) June 3, 2024
Libertarian presidential nominee Chase Oliver slammed the ATF over its role in enacting President Joe Biden’s anti-gun agenda. He wrote, “Don’t wrap up your gun control and the violence you perpetrate in the Pride flag, you statists.”
Don't wrap up your gun control and the violence you perpetrate in the Pride flag, you statists…#ArmedAndGay https://t.co/PSuUampljc
— Chase Oliver (@ChaseForLiberty) June 3, 2024
Another user responded with a post showing the burning Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX, which occurred after the ATF and FBI engaged in a shootout with the occupants over illegally-owned firearms. “Pretty sure they had pride in [a lot] of things in the ATF…like burning people alive including children,” the user wrote.
Pretty sure they had pride in alot of things in the ATF...like burning people alive including children.... https://t.co/JN9Aqo4lIX pic.twitter.com/KztdDUqsB8
— athus (@00Athus) June 4, 2024
One user jokingly said the ATF’s announcement made him want to “buy a pretty pink gun and make sure the ATF knows nothing about it.”
This made me wanna buy a pretty pink gun and make sure the ATF knows nothing about it. Not that I have any guns they were all lost in an accident. It’s very sad. https://t.co/Aj1hlSHx16
— Jason Vaughn (@JasonVaughn) June 4, 2024
This user slammed the agency, sarcastically saying that it is “comforting to know the ATF isn’t prejudiced towards the people they murder in pre dawn raids over minor paperwork errors.”
Well isn't that heartwarming?
— Spaceballs The X Account (@Grunt0313) June 3, 2024
It's comforting to know the ATF isn't prejudiced towards the people they murder in pre dawn raids over minor paperwork errors. https://t.co/itCpOx7dCx
Last but not least, Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) referenced the agency’s penchant for killing dogs during arrests.
The only colors they don't like are fawn, chocolate, black & tan, harlequin, brindle, and golden. https://t.co/cVfDz5JQpY
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) June 3, 2024
The ATF has been an integral part of Biden’s effort to minimize gun ownership. It has created multiple rules intended to make it harder for average Americans to exercise their right to keep and bear arms.
In June 2023, the ATF imposed a rule requiring AR-15-style pistol owners to register their firearms with the agency. RedState’s Brittany Sheehan noted that failing to comply with the rule could result in a 10-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Last month, 26 states filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over a rule enacted in April 2023 requiring thousands of gun owners to register as firearms dealers even if they are not actual gun companies.
But hey, if the ATF is going to function as Biden’s anti-gun apparatus, we can at least be grateful that they don’t discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community, right?
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