Trump replaces acting head of US firearms agency with Army secretary: Report

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - US President Donald Trump removed Kash Patel as acting director of the US firearms agency, according to a report Wednesday.

The Hill website said Patel was replaced by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the agency that investigates federal crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson and the illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco.

It remains unclear when Patel was removed as his name and picture remain on the agency's website as of Wednesday.

Driscoll will continue to serve as secretary of the Army while taking over as acting head of the ATF, a defense official told The Hill.

Patel, who was confirmed by the Senate for FBI director on Feb. 20, was sworn in as acting ATF director shortly afterward.

His appointment was criticized by Democratic lawmakers, who sent a letter to Trump on March 4 demanding his removal.

Driscoll, who served in Iraq in 2009, was nominated by Trump to lead the US Army in December and confirmed in February.