WASHINGTON, D.C. — FBI Director Christopher Wray is facing criticism after reportedly presenting Attorney General Merrick Garland with a replica Tommy Gun as a farewell gift. The gesture sparked backlash from gun rights advocates, including the American Firearms Association (AFA), which accused federal officials of hypocrisy over gun control policies.
In a post on social media, the AFA condemned the gift, stating, “But these assholes want to take our guns away?” and renewed calls to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and repeal the National Firearms Act (NFA), citing support for House bills H.R. 221 and H.R. 335.
The National Firearms Act, enacted in 1934, regulates certain firearms, including machine guns like the Thompson submachine gun, commonly known as the “Tommy Gun.” The ATF enforces federal gun laws, including regulations on firearms classified under the NFA.
Neither the FBI nor the Department of Justice has publicly commented on the nature of the gift or the criticism it has received. It is unclear whether the firearm was a non-functional replica or a decommissioned model.
The incident has intensified ongoing debates over federal gun regulations, as lawmakers continue to face pressure from advocacy groups on both sides of the gun control issue.
