Chipman Nomination Pulled, But Fight to Protect 2A Isn’t Over

Good news: David Chipman won’t lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) after all. 

In a stunning move yesterday, the Biden White House announced it was pulling Chipman’s nomination as ATF Director citing growing bipartisan concerns. Joined by all 50 Senate Republicans Senators, Angus King (I-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Jon Tester (D-MT) either opposed him or were non-committal—spelling doom for his prospects. 

The Reload’s Stephen Gutowski, whose sterling reporting brought new light to the gun control advocate’s questionable behavior and positions, especially deserves kudos for sinking his nod.

A Giffords senior policy advisor, Chipman was selected for the role back in April. During his Senate nomination hearing, he failed to properly identify an assault rifle and dismissed comments he made disparaging new gun owners.