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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ATF Press Release

Contact: ATF Public Affairs Division
www.atf.gov
For Immediate Release
Monday, August 31, 2026

ATF update on cybersecurity incident

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is providing an update on the cybersecurity incident it previously disclosed affecting a legacy, standalone system. ATF is aware of claims concerning the publication of data obtained from an ATF standalone system. The claims concern the release of material related to ATF investigative matters from ATF’s CALEA system, a system used in connection with the federal Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).

ATF cannot confirm the authenticity, nature, or scope of the material at issue at this time and is working with the Department of Justice and other federal partners to assess the claims and take appropriate actions. As ATF previously stated, the affected system was not connected to – and the incident did not affect – ATF’s other operational systems. ATF’s ability to carry out its mission has not been impacted.

Given the ongoing review and investigation, ATF cannot provide additional details at this time.

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.

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