The acronym ATF stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is a United States federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice responsible for enforcing laws related to the illegal use, manufacture, and trafficking of firearms and explosives, acts of arson and bombings, terrorism, and the illegal diversion and taxation of alcohol and tobacco products

. Originally formed in 1972 as an independent bureau within the Treasury Department, ATF was later transferred to the Department of Justice in 2003. The agency also regulates the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives in interstate commerce

. In summary, ATF is a key federal agency focused on public safety through the enforcement of laws involving alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and related criminal activities.