In a movie that sent shockwaves through Washington, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on live television that she had fired the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Chief Counsel, Pamela Hicks. Speaking on Fox News’ America Reports, Bondi revealed that Hicks had been dismissed due to concerns that she was “targeting gun owners.”

The moment, which unfolded in real time, underscored the aggressive approach the Trump administration is taking in reshaping the Department of Justice (DOJ), particularly in areas involving firearms regulations.

Hicks, who had been with the DOJ for 23 years and served as ATF’s Chief Counsel since 2021, confirmed her termination in a post on LinkedIn, where she expressed gratitude for her time in the department but did not comment on the reasons behind her firing. According to Fox News, she was escorted out of the ATF headquarters immediately following the decision.