'You're The Director!': Andy Biggs Mercilessly Grills ATF Director About Search Warrant Policies

At a House Judiciary Committee hearing last week, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) grilled ATF Director Steven Dettelbach on tactics during the execution of search warrants.
Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:
account.forbes.com/membership...
Stay Connected
Forbes on Facebook: forbes
Forbes Video on Twitter: / forbes
Forbes Video on Instagram: / forbes
More From Forbes: forbes.com

[@g.k.1669]

He and everyone involved in the murder of Malinowski belongs in prison.

[@g.k.1669]

@@shanemouton7606 In Nuremberg during the trials the common excuse for the deaths of Jew, Gypsies and Poles was "I was just following orders".

[@tacticalinsanity7375]

@@shanemouton7606 I've done this work. The agents/ cops on the ground offer ideas to command. Command then approves or disapproves. So your assessment is off a bit. Also, if its against policy, then command will approve or not. But 99% of the time the agents working the case and the entry team work together as to coming up with the plan to execute the warrants.

[@JRay124]

@@shanemouton7606 Just following orders doesnt mean you arent a murderer, thats now how that works anywhere. If you know something is wrong, you dont do it. Simple.

[@mattbrown9484]

I dint think HE does unless proven he directed the agents to do what they did.

[@DabNaggit]

@@shanemouton7606 bullshit

[@kewlbeone5949]

This guy is a clown

[@NoteSmoking]

He really is. I’ve watched about 100 of these videos and he’s simply uncooperative and filibustering to wade his way through this mess. This debacle happened with his oversight and he needs to be removed. He’s not here for the American people and the Constitution. He’s there as a lawyer, a prosecuting attorney to figure out how to prosecute as many gun owners as possible. I’m not a gun owner, but I find this government overreach despicable.

[@bernardkoey4087]

He lookes like one as well 😅😅😅😅😅​@@NoteSmoking

[@DabNaggit]

Every response implies that he sees his job as getting AS CLOSE to infringing on rights as possible, and blaming Congress for writing the NFA he claims allows him to. That's what it always comes back to.

[@GuyIncognito-mw8mr]

A dangerous clown,don’t forget that……

[@marycarlin1911]

Murderous ATF needs to be disbanded, and yes, they jam everything, but the gentleman wasn't criminal, and they committed murder. No more taxpayers' money for this murderous department

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

The ATF Director admitted they he doesn’t know anything about law enforcement! OMG and almost in the same breath he said that they have to keep the American public safe! Get him OUT!

[@EvanG529]

"I don't want to publicly broadcast our tactics" Yeah that really inspires a lot of confidence...

[@Freakyman403]

while i disagree with nearly everything he has said, that is the only thing i understand and only thing that makes sense, but i doubt he will even tell them in a closed door, why would you want criminals to know how to better prepare themselves in a raid.

[@philquinton1629]

@@Freakyman403 he was SPECIFICALLY being asked about a SEARCH warrant, not an arrest warrant. They are two completely DIFFERENT things.

[@Freakyman403]

​@@philquinton1629 and your point is? i said i agree with not publicly declaring tactics used to effectuate a warrant. that had nothing to do with search and an arrest warrant, what they did is disgusting and they should of enacted the search warrant when the house was empty but they didn't.

[@briansteele5049]

They had the opportunity to but they wanted to kill the man ​@@Freakyman403

[@whartonitec1041]

Those two behind him should also go to jail.

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

SO MUCH ARROGANT CONTEMPT AND DISRESPECT from the ATF Director! Doesn’t the ATF Director understand that we, the U.S. citizens, are watching him and we can easily see the malicious nature of his attitude! He obviously thinks he is in charge! Someone give this ATF Director his walking papers! 😡🤬🤬🤬

[@Razgriz85]

You mean orange jumpsuit, chains, and a nice prison cell with a roommate named Bubba.

[@AdderTude]

This is what happens when a lawyer and bureaucrat becomes in charge of a law enforcement agency. They play fast and loose with the rules, then shift blame and avoid accountability at all costs.

[@shanemouton7606]

I agree although really what needs to happen is the individuals responsible for the policies set in place for this raid need to be exposed and justice served. This guy can leave sure, but he’s just going to be replaced by another attorney that follows direction from those to which real justice needs to be served… only with justice and accountability can we destroy the root cause of this operations objective to illegally remove a subject from this earth, to show that no one, not even these law enforcement or law makers, are above the law…

[@demetri78]

We have become a nation of cowards. We the people will do nothing. We have become sheep. 😊

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

@@shanemouton7606 indeed, this is why they will do ANYTHING to keep Trump from returning to the White House….

[@Lacey_Face]

This Dittleback guy & his ppl don't even know how to break down a Glock. They tried it on video and failed miseraby.

[@gcHK47]

Cut the ATF budget!

[@ProfessorFate]

While all these ATF congress sessions are interesting political theater, I think the citizens want to know when congress is actually going to do something about ATF.

[@Joe-pz7cg]

Exactly! I doubt either side really will DO anything, this is a show to calm the masses on all sides.

[@mlwester1]

The short answer is NEVER. Congress puts on these circuses to make the public believe they are doing something... it's all just bad theater.

[@bobperrine6193]

Defund the ATF. They're out of control, but then looking at their Director it's not surprising.

[@richardcallihan9746]

ATF turned off power to the house, taped over cameras, and then forcibly broke in. Then Said, Police. { Just What a Home Envader Would Do. }

[@poppianejo3856]

The, I can’t answer policy. Questions is ridiculous. I would hold him in content of Congress.

[@324atleD]

ATF should be a convenience store, not a branch of the government.

[@glencooper1091]

100%

[@shanehamilton6708]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@enforcerridley158]

That may be a good idea.

[@davecaresforyou7606]

They are literally not a branch as the people created the branches! They are a group doing their own thing

[@Pax_Plays]

Pretty much ran as a convenience store with a 1 star rating

[@richardkosoff711]

Basically, they want to be able to do whatever they want, however they want, without accountability. 🙄

[@jerrywhitmire2123]

This guy needs to go to jail.

[@4fuzzybear]

Minus one family member

[@user-fe6jm5nm1h]

ATF just murdered a CEO of a airport

[@user-kv2rq7sb2w]

He clearly feels he is answerable to no one.

[@guitarlessonswith4480]

Lies, all Lies. A perfect example of why qualified immunity must be abolished.

[@Steve-lx4wv]

The man is nothing but lies,,,, defend the atf

[@stephen4763]

I have family in law enforcement. If qualified immunity is abolished-that can get officers killed and recruitment will drop. Suffice it to say that yes there are a few bad apples in police departments. They need to be weeded out. You don’t want to burden entire departments with abolishing qualified immunity wholesale. Understand, Officers are faced with life threatening situations every week whereas normal citizens are not. The 6 months or so of initial training is crucial - not at full pay either - but the experience factor they gain with years of service is even more important to keeping them safe. As far as the ATF and the other 3 letter agencies, there needs to be a serious adjustment in leadership and accountability. Hopefully that will happen in January 2025.

[@shanemouton7606]

Spot on! Accountability snd justice for all no matter your position in cabinet, in office or on enforcement or otherwise should be 100% always upheld. No one is above the law, everyone should be held accountable.

[@AdderTude]

@@stephen4763 The amount of times that courts still grant QI despite damning evidence they should lose it is all the _more_ reason it should be ended across the board. If that gets PDs across the country to hire better people to serve the public instead of egotistical bullies and wannabe tyrants, then so be it. In addition to that, the unions use the CBA to include shielding officers from punishment (i.e. no consequences when they break the law themselves). LackLuster showed an instance where a cop hit and killed a pedestrian and was laughing about it with his union rep (shown on his body cam footage). IIRC, he was never punished for it.

[@stephen4763]

@@AdderTude Brah you can spout off “one off situations” all day long. You are not getting my point. Abolish QI and you won’t have anyone applying for the police much less “more qualified”. You act like entire departments act like Cowboys and that’s not the case. It’s obvious you have not been through any sim training where you have to pick out a bad guy amongst innocent citizens - lots of stress training. Educate yourself before making broad generalizations Cletus.

[@goosecouple]

"How will democracy protect the people when their government change into a tyrannical regime ???"

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

EXACTLY! Trump 24! ❤

[@sandramorning8901]

We are not a democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic. Nothing the government does is constitutional.

[@francismarionswampfox3468]

It's probably a crime to answer that truthfully.

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

It already is…. where have you been???

[@TLMSHS]

When are you guys going to DO ANYTHING to this guy?

[@AdderTude]

When the Democrats lose control of the Senate.

[@lukeforbush8212]

This director is a traitor to this country

[@benwoodhead6991]

Why would anybody want to do a search in the dark. Seems weird to me.

[@Jona1han]

With the power out.... you're right

[@Celedge84]

This guy (the director of the ATF) IS THE CRIMINAL, in this whole thing he hasn't answered a single question, and he won't.

[@gailcarmack2954]

He can't!! He is willing in a private setting. I don't want him telling everyone how they accomplish to keep us safe. Why would they!!

[@sandramorning8901]

​@@gailcarmack2954they are going after gun owners and conservatives. That is not keeping us safe. They took ten vehicles and who knows how many agents to a home, cover their ring camera, shut off the electricity, knock the door down. The man thought they were burglars. Why didn't they go later in the day? Why did they cover the ring camera? Why did they shut off the electricity? We have terrorists coming through our borders. Why don't they go after them???

[@adrumchapelbear2187]

​😂😂. The truth dies in the dark. Keep playing the game simpleton. ​@@gailcarmack2954

[@zytebac]

@@gailcarmack2954 Why not? Why can't the general public know what their policies are?

[@trashgodzgarage3281]

​@@gailcarmack2954You seriously believe that BS?

[@opforwarrior]

No accountability ; no authority

[@eddiesuen3711]

The director of an armed federal law enforcement agency is a lawyer. He is a bureaucrat. He has zero experience of what his field agents does. Thats the problem with the ATF. Has he ever pick up a gun or ever fire one?

[@curtisberg3028]

He holds guns at full arm’s length holding it like a used tissue he was just handed

[@mezmerizer0266]

He has, under oath, in congress, said he is not a firearm expert. His exact words.

[@GuyIncognito-mw8mr]

It’s not a law enforcement agency,never was and never has been ever,it’s a tax agency and that’s it ……

[@perrybarrett3292]

Dettelbeck is wearing a bulletproof vest under his suit I wonder why?

[@JimMcnevin]

THERE IS A TARGET ON HIS BACK , HIS FRONT, HIS SIDE , HIS HEAD I BET !!!

[@JamestheKilljoy]

What is the point of all this if no one ever answers a single question

[@AdderTude]

At least it shows the public how incompetent they are.

[@GuyIncognito-mw8mr]

It shows folks how a tribe member from gods chosen people can be gifted in the art of gab & babble and never answer a single question that the cattle puts to him

[@kevinbee7236]

You absolutely should publicly state the methods used, "we the people" are charged with reigning the tyranny in after all.

[@herbhouston5378]

I've said this before... and I'll say it again; Quit "asking: these people to answer your questions! Start "demanding"... and if they don't answer, hold them in contempt... after all they are contemptuous!!!

[@GuyIncognito-mw8mr]

He’s already perjured himself on two dozen times or does he think nobody is keeping count?

[@RustyShacklefardd]

Abolish AFT

[@southbaychris]

How do you remove the Director once he’s deemed incompetent

[@j.r.hornak460]

In a wheel chair lol

[@V-gw8jt]

In a box

[@Sleepeaze]

I’m a director but I don’t give any directions.

[@tomschumacher5434]

This is wildly scary that this happened and that atf individuals involved are not behind bars yet. If this doesn’t scare you as a free American I don’t know what will.

[@gabe321]

I seriously doubt that anything is going happen to the ATF and the agents that were involved in this raid.

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

Thank you Congressman Biggs, and thank you Forbes Breaking News! (Still wish Forbes Breaking News would make the white banner semi-transparent, so we can see the name placards!…. waiting, waiting, waiting.)

[@pascalouellette8516]

Wrongful death law suit ATF is going to pay for this huge in my opinion, Dettelbach should already be at least suspended...to prevent him from doing further harm...

[@Halo3Matalix]

where does he live so i can cut the power and block the camera?

[@mustangdave67gta74]

Put accountability back into the law. At least what was removed about 10 years ago.

[@Penswordman]

This guy is a worm. Hence, the name Swamp to describe Washington DC. Swamps are writhing with worms.

[@wouterkellerman4458]

Why arent the guys that did the hit here?

[@Sooprazn]

"I just don't want to give a public blueprint for people tomorrow and the next day who are going to be facing law enforcement through the door to know how we're coming, and what we're doing" -Steven Dettelbach, ATF Director, when asked if it is common for the ATF to use jammers during the execution of a search warrant

[@GuyIncognito-mw8mr]

He knows it isn’t,tgat was done to be in total control of the theme,but as with all criminals tge truth comes out and when it does it will get ugly,that’s not a threat but a fact and he knows it

[@danmeek928]

They killed the man that Home was being broken into the power was off and he was defending his home and the ATF stepped up and killed him. The ATF need to go to jail that’s murder.

[@doc693]

Snake

[@davinxi5926]

The face of the sinoloa cartel spokesman

[@teebers]

the fact that he treats every citizen that could be listening as a criminal already shows his mentality

[@rickthompson7162]

Yes police go into dangerous situations, but it is far more dangerous to be a citizen that has not been charged with any crime to be sleeping and have the ATF raid his house. Let’s remember this was a search warrant not an arrest warrant. They could have executed the warrant when Malinowski was not at home, or maybe during the day. Instead he was treated like public enemy number one. Block all phone access,cut power, block the ring doorbell camera, bust down the door, then assassinate the homeowner. The situation became dangerous due to the tactics and an officer was shot . The atf needs to disbanded and every officer and all leadership arrested and imprisoned for the assassination of a US citizen who was not charged. He was only protecting his home from armed intruders. I’m not anti police but the ATF are not police , they are a terrorist organization .

[@leonhitchcox3675]

Disband the ATF and turn their offices into shelters for homeless vets.

[@derickmosbacker9513]

This guy just the scapegoat and he’s doing a damn good job

[@9877joseph]

Smart. Glad someone else is thinking outside the box.

[@MrFishyLips]

"When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." -Thomas Jefferson

[@wernervanderwalt8541]

😂😂McLovin snd the Muppet Show are having their asses handed to them!😂😂

[@jorgemontoya8844]

ATF needs to get disbanded. Period.

[@chrishessey9733]

Where not dumb we know your tactics.

[@emandejnozka1369]

Heinrich Himmler couldn’t answer any better.

[@belovedofthelord7355]

He should RESIGN & surrender to be prosecuted & jailed!,

[@Darkforces817]

Lock his no answering butt up until he can answer.

[@danielpalmer2818]

well it is time for the ATF to be bared from executing search warrants they can accompany local law enforcement or the FBI but they have shown a pattern of irresponsibility and overstepping there authority The ATF is a DANGER to the Public and to ATF employees

[@user-ki1ys5wz1q]

Wait till IRs come knocking 😂 Arne

[@morethanamazed8210]

Jail Dettlebach and disband the ATF.

[@vladdracula2643]

This guy is allergic to yes/no answers, I can imagine him filibustering at his own wedding

[@daverichard1909]

Don't hold your breath, Rep Biggs, on getting any straight answers from Stevie Littledick.

[@billiebjr]

These are going to be a waste until Congress starts immediately calling in police and taking them directly to jail until he answers the questions. Furthermore, he has no business being Director if he doesn't have law experience or know the policies.

[@smashingveto7778]

Actions speak louder than words fellas. Stop talking and hold them accountable. Stop letting him evade the questions. ATF is an infringement on our rights and is null and void

[@markcooper9063]

The ATF does this shit every few years ,seeing what they get away with how for they can go.

[@johneckert3225]

Anytime they say what you just said back to you they're looking for an answer to lie.

[@Joe_P]

The fact they can conduct raids with zero body cams says everything we need to know

[@marknewmyer3011]

What a messed up agency. This was totally unneccessary. They desperately need new leadership and a whole new approach.

[@annestrada1724]

They just lowered the ATF's budget, but, since they didn't totally shut it down, Congress is just playing games.

[@dillonhillier]

As a non-American, can someone explain if he can be, and if so why isnt, being held in contempt and charged for not answering questions?

[@Silvereagledude]

Prison for this guy….Guantanamo Bay….why did they want this guy dead so badly???

[@footstoolx]

who put this clown in charged of ATF

[@hardwood6927]

This guy is everything that is wrong with law enforcement.

[@brendadarabos4591]

Yes they do

[@trevormccarthy9019]

lol “we have to keep the public safe “. .why aren’t they on the border then.. this guy should be a comedian

[@HowardOchs-xk8xu]

I work for the government where is my check? My title is big match that with my compensation. Big title big bucks.

[@user-ru1zo2lb3m]

Lots of people including children have lost thier lives to the AtF

[@HerbertScott-sf1uq]

Do these people EVER answer a question?????????????

[@drw3291945]

EVs, Electric School Busses, Electric Bicycles, Electric Tanks and Drones.......and not even ONE ELECTRIC CHAIR !!!

[@gagemead27]

He just called everyone watching this hearing criminals. Everyday, ordinary, American citizens, we're criminals. This guy is an absolute disgrace to humankind.

[@tylerbuckner3750]

“I’m not going to comment on tactics we use…” Translation: Yes.

[@jrsxcase]

"how we're coming and what you're doing" is straight up illegal. Disband ATF immediately!

[@moralobjection4836]

"We don't want to tell the people anything" You swore an oath to us. ON YOUR LIFE!!!

[@Popcorn_Time32]

I wonder if congress will ask atf about Karen Reed

[@vi683a]

How can this guy be fired?

[@stephenmongoo5940]

Why arent the people who coordinated this Assassination being questioned ?

[@Tiffany-mu6br]

They all play dumb and throw the blame onto someone else so nobody is ever held accountable for anything this is ridiculous none of us could just live above the law and do as we please get caught play dumb and point the finger and someone, anyone!

[@mfbrisson]

They murdered this man. They’ll never admit it and they’ll never be held accountable.

[@sandragaona8261]

How is an prosecutor never been a Police officer become head of the ATF agency!???

[@slypperyfox]

Right after the “ensure safety to the public” shoulda asked why they execute no knock arrests when wife and kids are in the house . . . And remind the director that American citizens demand and deserve answers to OVERSIGHT questions in OPEN session - NOT behind closed doors!🤬

[@user-vr1zd9uc1b]

When are any of these people ever held accountable for their actions

[@BearPawSwipe]

This admin is filled with some of the most talented obfuscators and gaslighters we have ever seen.

[@Zip_Silver]

What an embarrassing display of obfuscatorial misconduct

[@juliusebanculla3649]

he keeps saying “AGAIN” before he speaks, like he’s already answered the question. what a clown. smh..

[@misshotthang1976]

I think the American people need to know this stuff. How scary ...

[@12gimli3]

You answer the questions congress asks you or you should be held in contempt! No backroom private convos. The public has a right to know!

[@KU8RLY]

Just make me sick. This guy needs to be on the shoes of Mr malinowski

[@castleincorporated]

the balance is "screw the people". he won't tell the truth

[@josephflora6472]

He's obviously not going to give anyone a straight answer without incriminating the ATF

[@nightowl2486]

They did 11k no knocks last year🤬🤬🤬

[@iiilllegallliii]

"These are yes and no questions, thank you for answering yes." An ABSOLUTE rarity. Like mint PSA 10 Pika-illustrator rarity.😂

[@Texas_Cody]

What is disturbing me is that he says he will talk in private but not for the public to see

[@thisisheaven2488]

Fire the ATF Director. He's not morally fit to be in a position of power. Also, defund and shut down the ATF.

[@paulparker4010]

I find it interesting that the ATF violation of law yet won't answer questions about protocol and standards.

[@turtle9286]

Reminds me of the seen out of pulp fiction. “Say what again”😂