Dan O’Kelly, a seasoned law enforcement professional and staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, is emerging as a leading candidate for the role of Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
With a career spanning over three decades in law enforcement, including 23 years with the ATF, O’Kelly brings a unique combination of firearm expertise, legal knowledge, and a commitment to reforming the agency to better serve both law enforcement and law-abiding citizens.
O’Kelly’s vision for the ATF centers on restoring public trust, enhancing training for agents, and refocusing the agency’s efforts on combating violent crime rather than targeting lawful gun owners and the firearm industry.
His approach has garnered support from Second Amendment advocates and law enforcement professionals, who see him as a transformative leader capable of bridging the gap between the ATF and its communities.
O’Kelly’s career began with 11 years as a police officer, followed by over two decades with the ATF, where he specialized in firearm technology and recognition. After retiring in 2011, he founded GunLearn.com, a training platform designed to educate law enforcement, the firearm industry, and the public on firearm laws and technology. His company has trained thousands, including agents from the FBI and major police departments across the country.
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“I’m not a politician,” O’Kelly told the Tampa Free Press Tuesday. “My heart is completely in what I believe, and I candidly believe I am the guy to fix the ATF. I know what’s wrong with it, how it got that way, and how to fix it.”
O’Kelly’s plan for the ATF includes addressing the agency’s longstanding issues with inadequate training and political influence. He argues that ATF agents have been undereducated and misled by headquarters, leading to inconsistent enforcement and a lack of public trust.
“The ATF has operated on a process where an anti-gun administration feeds their wishes to headquarters, which then trickles down to the tech branch,” O’Kelly explained. “Agents are given misinformation and aren’t trained well enough to know the difference. That’s going to change.”
If selected as the agency’s director, one of his first priorities would be to implement comprehensive training programs for ATF employees, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to enforce firearm laws accurately and fairly. He also plans to make training resources available to the public and the firearm industry, promoting transparency and reducing unintentional violations of firearm laws.
O’Kelly emphasizes that the ATF should prioritize combating violent crime, such as armed drug dealers, carjackers, and active shooters, rather than targeting lawful gun owners and businesses. He envisions a proactive approach to addressing violent crime, including training programs for law enforcement and school teachers to respond effectively to active shooter situations.
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“Every bad thing someone can do with a gun is already illegal,” O’Kelly said. “The ATF needs to focus on enforcing those laws against violent criminals, not persecuting law-abiding citizens and businesses.”
O’Kelly’s expertise and commitment to the Second Amendment have been demonstrated in his work as a consultant and expert witness in high-profile cases where he successfully challenged ATF overreach. One notable case involved a former combat Marine in San Diego who sold 80 percent lower receivers for AR-15s. The ATF claimed these unfinished components were firearms, but O’Kelly’s analysis proved otherwise.
“Even if you finish an 80 percent lower, it only satisfies 50 percent of the legal definition of a firearm frame or receiver,” O’Kelly explained. “The ATF had been wrong; I made that clear in court.”
In another case, O’Kelly’s testimony led to charges being dropped against a California man accused of illegally manufacturing firearms by using a CNC machine to complete 80 percent lowers.
His work in these cases has earned him a reputation as a defender of lawful gun owners and a critic of ATF overreach.
“I’ve spent years holding the ATF accountable when they act outside their authority,” O’Kelly said. “If I’m confirmed as director, I’ll ensure the agency operates within the law and respects the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
O’Kelly’s pro-Second Amendment stance and extensive experience in firearm technology have earned him respect within the firearm community. He is a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a supporter of other Second Amendment organizations, including the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF).
“I’m the most pro-gun SOB that ever worked for the ATF,” O’Kelly quipped to the Tampa Free Press. “I’ve been pro-gun my entire life, and I believe in the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms responsibly.”
His approach to leadership includes fostering open communication with firearm advocacy groups and the public, ensuring that the ATF operates transparently and fairly. “The ATF should be an ally to the good guys and a formidable opponent to the bad guys,” he said.
With his deep knowledge of firearms, commitment to the Second Amendment, and vision for reform, Dan O’Kelly represents a new direction for the ATF—one that prioritizes public safety, transparency, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.
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