Which federal agency regulates the sale and possession of firearms?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the sale and possession of firearms in the United States. This agency enforces federal laws related to the manufacture, distribution, and use of firearms, as well as regulating firearm commerce to ensure compliance with legal standards. The ATF also oversees licensing for gun dealers and enforces regulations that aim to prevent gun violence, making it a crucial player in national efforts to control firearm-related issues.

The FBI, while involved in criminal background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), primarily focuses on crime investigation and national security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has broader responsibilities related to national safety and emergency response, not specifically firearms regulation. The National Firearms Association (NFA) is not a regulatory body; instead, it represents gun owners' interests and advocates for Second Amendment rights, thus not directly involved in overseeing firearm laws or regulations.