Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Seeks Answers from ATF about Agency’s Role in State Records Release
Washington,
April 16, 2013
In light of new information showing that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) was working with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA/OIG) to obtain private information from the state about Missourians holding conceal and carry weapons licenses, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today sent a letter to the ATF seeking answers from the agency about the depth of its involvement in the burgeoning scandal and has asked for a meeting with the ATF.
In light of new information indicating possible involvement by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General’s (SSA OIG) efforts to obtain private information from the state about Missourians holding conceal and carry weapons licenses, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today sent a letter to the ATF seeking answers from the agency about the depth of its involvement in the burgeoning scandal and has asked for a meeting with the ATF. “It is incomprehensible to me that the people of Missouri have been unable to get a straight answer out of the federal government about what happened and to now learn that the ATF may be involved adds another troubling layer to an ongoing and disturbing series of events, and I’m determined to get answers,” Luetkemeyer said. NOTE: Text of Luetkemeyer’s letter to ATF is below: The Honorable B. Todd Jones Dear Director Jones: 2. Did your office or any other DOJ office request any other information, personal or otherwise, from any State of Missouri department or official? If so, what specific information was requested and from whom? 3. Did ATF or any other office within DOJ receive any information or documentation from any State of Missouri department or official, including but not limited to the Missouri Highway Patrol? If so, what departments provided information and specific information was received? 4. In how many instances was information provided to ATF or any other office of DOJ? 5. Does ATF or any office within DOJ still have access to or hold any data provided by the State of Missouri? If so, what specific data is still accessible or held? 6. If your office did request information, on what legal grounds did it do so? 7. For what explicit purpose did your office request this information? 8. Did you agency, under any circumstances, seek the information on Missourians to disqualify gun owners from owning a gun or having or maintaining a CCW? 9. Detail the manner in which ATF coordinated with the SSA Office of Inspector General to request and/or receive this information. 10. Has or will any information received from the State of Missouri been or be used in any way by ATF or any other DOJ office? If so, please detail the ways in which this information has or will be utilized. 11. Has this information been shared by ATF or any other office within DOJ with any other federal department or agency, including SSA? Do you intend to share any information you have received with any other federal department or agency and, if so, which departments or agencies? 12. If any information was requested or shared, was the request and subsequent transfer of said information performed in accordance with all federal statutes including but not limited to the Federal Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579), Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act (P.L. 100-573), and the E-Government Act (P.L. 107-347)? 13. If any information has been shared with other federal departments or agencies is there a guarantee that the privacy of Missourians has been fully protected? 14. Has ATF or any other office within DOJ requested or received any personal information from any other state agency outside of Missouri? I greatly respect ATF’s mission to protect the American public. However, I take significant objection to the collection and distribution of personal information of Missourians and other Americans. This is a very important issue to me and to all Missourians and, as such, I request a personal meeting with you as soon as possible so that you may clarify any actions taken by your agency. In addition to that meeting, I request written responses to the aforementioned questions as soon as possible. Additionally, please provide me with copies of all correspondence between agencies in the State of Missouri and ATF requesting or granting this information, including the individuals requesting and granting said information, and with copies of any information that has been or will be shared between the State of Missouri and the Federal government, including but not limited to ATF. Additionally, please provide me with copies of all relevant correspondence between ATF and SSA. Please have your staff contact Chris Brown of my staff (chrisbrown@mail.house.gov or 202.225.2956) with the responses to my questions and to schedule a meeting. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, Blaine Luetkemeyer |