Director Cekada is absolutely right - this is a PUBLIC program narrowly tailored to illegal firearm traffickers and serious violent federal crimes - and there’s data below to show how strictly it is held to standard. This FBI will always back the Second Amendment and support Americans’ right to defend themselves.
The NICS program is managed very well by the FBI. This is NOT a secret program. I publicly issued the policy governing and narrowing ATF’s use of NICS alerts in April of 2025.
🇺🇸 14.6 MILLION lawful firearm purchase/transfer checks were processed by NICS in 2025.
🔎 Since that date, ATF utilized 343 bonified NICS alerts under the new policy.
🔎 Only 61 ATF NICS Alerts remain active today.
14.6 MILLION NICS purchase/transfer checks processed vs. 343 NICS Alerts. Keep that in perspective!
Every ATF NICS alert is tied to a specific, documented federal investigation involving straw purchasers, firearms traffickers, or other serious federal crimes.
They are NOT used to monitor lawful gun purchasers.
They are NOT used to enforce state gun control laws.
My focus as Director is straightforward:
- Protect lawful gun owners.
- Target firearms traffickers.
- Hold violent criminals and those who aid them accountable.