Goa, April 10 -- FBI Director Kash Patel has been quietly replaced as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll taking over the role, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The change occurred weeks ago, though it was not immediately clear why Patel was removed from his position leading the Justice Department agency responsible for enforcing the nation's gun laws.

Sources said Patel was removed at the end of February, shortly after being sworn in. However, the change was never publicly announced, and Patel remained listed as the acting director on the ATF's website as recently as April 7. The shift was only communicated to senior ATF leaders on Wedn...