Obama Nominates MN's US Attorney B. Todd Jones For ATF Director

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- At his press conference unveiling new gun control measures Wednesday, President Barack Obama nominated Minnesota's U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones for ATF Director.

Jones has been acting director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives since Aug. 31, 2012, but has yet to be confirmed as the official director.

"Since Congress hasn't confirmed the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms in six years, they should confirm Todd Jones, who has been acting and I will be nominating for the post," said Obama.

Back in August, Jones said he is confident he can continue to do an effective job as US Attorney for Minnesota while serving as acting director of the ATF.

"I wouldn't have taken it on if I didn't have 100 percent, 110 percent confidence in my office now. Two years into it, I have a very good, very strong management team," he said.

Jones was the fifth "acting" director of ATF since 2006.

At the gun violence press conference, Obama announced sweeping changes to gun control, including calls for universal background checks, renewal of assault weapons ban and limits on high-capacity magazines.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Reacts To Nomination

Klobuchar, who recommended Jones to be a U.S. Attorney, later issued this statement:

"I first worked with Todd Jones starting in 1999 when I was Hennepin County Attorney while he was U.S. Attorney. As Senator I recommended him to the President to be U.S. Attorney in 2007.

In both cases I have found Todd to be a seasoned, highly-respected law enforcement leader. As a former Marine he is fair-minded and has impeccable character. He has a strong record of working productively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. He has brought incredible focus, results, and integrity to each leadership position he has held, including as Acting Director of the ATF.

As County Attorney I especially appreciated the respect Todd had for our local prosecutors. We approached cases as a team. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers must be as sophisticated as the crooks that are breaking the law. Todd Jones gets that.

ATF needs a permanent leader and Todd Jones is an excellent choice."