U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has replaced FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of several law enforcement agencies under the umbrella of the Justice Department, three U.S. officials confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday.
Two Defense officials said Driscoll is now heading the ATF while remaining as Army secretary. A Justice Department official also confirmed Driscoll has replaced Patel but did not comment on the reasons for the personnel move. They were granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters.
Patel, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was sworn in as ATF's acting director in late February, just a few days after he was also sworn in as FBI Director. Reuters first reported the news.
It was not immediately clear when Patel was removed from the role. As of 4 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday afternoon, Patel's photo and title of acting director was still listed on the ATF's website.