Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. It investigates illegal firearms trafficking, violent gun crime, bombings and arson, working with state and local agencies across the country. The bureau also licenses and regulates the lawful firearms and explosives industries and enforces related federal statutes. Its special agents, industry operations investigators and forensic specialists support criminal investigations and regulatory oversight, including firearms tracing and explosives analysis. ATF’s authority extends nationwide through field offices and specialized investigative resources.