Following up on a request made by Alaskan Congressman Don Young during a May 18th meeting with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Tom Brandon, the ATF presented an open letter at an Anchorage seminar of Alaskan Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). The request was made by Rep. Young in order to clarify residency requirements for rural Alaskans who do not possess a government-issued ID with a physical address and wish to purchase a firearm.
“Although Alaska has been a state for over 50 years, there are still those who don’t understand the uniqueness of our state,” said Rep. Young. “I made this request during my meeting with Deputy Director Brandon because I know firsthand, being from Fort Yukon, that many Alaskans rely on PO Boxes or other non-physical addresses. I am pleased that the ATF responded quickly to my request and I believe this open letter to Alaskan gun dealers will clarify as well as simplify the process for rural Alaskans looking to purchase or transfer firearms.”
Furthermore, at the May 18th meeting, Congressman Young asked that ATF officials clarify their procedures for obtaining gun ownership records from firearms dealers. This request was made in response to reports from Alaskan gun store owners that some ATF inspectors were making requests to copy these records. The ATF responded in writing to reassure the Congressman that their agents are trained to uphold the rights of all gun owners.
“It is vital that the ATF have a clearly defined set of procedures for these inspections so that the privacy rights of American gun owners are protected. I am hopeful that the ATF now understands it needs to maintain an open line of communication with gun store owners so that this situation can be avoided in the future. If not, Alaskans will let me know,” said Rep. Young.
To view the ATF's written response to Rep. Young,
click here.
To view the letter that the ATF is presenting Alaskan FFLs,
click here.
