Tom Harris, 61, is a disabled father of five who has been selling firearms out of his Lewisville home for three decades. He is so respected by his clientele that one literally donated a kidney to save Harris’ life. His business is built on loyal customers who do not want their firearm buying experience limited to big box outdoor retailers.
That service could come to a close if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) had its way.
Harris’ Federal Firearms License is under attack for paperwork errors dating back to 2007 that the ATF already excused. He has letters proving the agency cleared earlier clerical mistakes.
No matter, as the agency is now on the warpath against small weapons dealers for revocations. More and more entrepreneurs and hobbyists report having armed agents show up and demanding paperwork and other records.
Harris told the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project that the ATF “threw the kitchen sink at me after they cleared me because their bosses weren’t happy about it. They are trying to intimidate me into surrendering my FFL.”
He explained that agents and supervisors know that most small FFL holders do not have the financial and legal resources to defend themselves against the federal government.
Harris said his customers have come through for him. One created a GiveSendGo crowdfunding account that raised almost $20,000.
That, however, is likely a drop in the bucket compared to what he needs to counter the powerful ATF.
He is currently selling inventory at cost to raise funds for his defense. Harris knows he is fighting for more than just himself. “There are thousands of FFLs who have already given up — scared to continue. There will soon be a day when the local gun shop is just a memory.”
