Dept Of ATF Training Manual Threatens Firing Squad For Whistleblowers

The National Security Information online course for the ATF (dept of alcohol tobacco and firearms) has this message for new employees that may be thinking of leaking secrets. But hey, it was only a joke! Or was it? I think some may find this, "little joke", somewhat intimidating.

After months of anguished debate over mass shootings, gun control and Second Amendment rights, the Justice Department finds itself on the defensive after a training manual surfaced that suggests federal agents could face a firing squad for leaking government secrets.

The online manual for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — complete with a photo of a turn-of-the-century firing squad — was obtained by The Washington Times from a concerned federal law enforcement official, and it immediately drew protests from watchdogs who said it showed a lack of sensitivity to gun violence and the continuing hostile environment toward whistleblowers.

But watchdogs raised immediate concerned that the image may have an unintended chilling effect on DOJ employees, as the agency has often been criticized for its handling of whistleblowers.

While the DOJ may be making light of a serious policy,Mr. Kohnsaid the photo was hypocritical, unconstitutional and unprofessional.

Sacrebleu! ATF threatens French-style firing squad for agents who leak secrets

Anyone tried going to the URL at the bottom of the picture?

MystikMushroom
Anyone tried going to the URL at the bottom of the picture?

No I assumed that non government folks wouldn't be able to. But still I don't think you should do that, or they will be forced to shoot you. Wink wink... But hey it was just a joke!

The real problem is that the fed has "secrets" in the first place.

Especially in domestic agencies like the ATF.

Here's a secret, there is no difference between the NICS check (takes 10 minutes) and the check done for a Form1 or 4 (takes 9-12 months or more). Wasted resources or just a pointless obstacle to keep people from owning certain things?

The ATF needs to be burned to the ground.

MystikMushroom
Anyone tried going to the URL at the bottom of the picture?

I typed it in and visited the page.
Appears to be the from the lesson section dealing with National Security Information at the ATF.

What kind of odd hybrid is this agency?

Tobacco is legal and so is alcohol, so how did a need for regulating commerce, which there are a dozen other agencies in charge of that, get mixed up with Guns and Bombs? Guns are legal too.

This agency makes no sense to me. It seems confused. Do they spend 1/4 of their time and money on each topic?