You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner by sending them to federal prison, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It’s so thoughtful
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be boring – even if it’s not your partner. Have you got information on your ex-partner or current accomplice in illegal gun activities? Please let us know and we’ll make it a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget! Contact ATFTips@atf.gov or call 1-888-ATF TIPS pic.twitter.com/OdDIPdIzkr
— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) February 14, 2022
“Got an ex that buys or trades illegally guns?” Twitter message from the agency. The agency tweeted, “We’d love to give them a Valentine’s Day surprise!” Underneath it includes a hotline, an email address, and website for revenge-minded former lovers who want to give the gift of government-sanctioned violence.
This is to be absolutely clear. The ATF does not respond to illegal firearm sales by politely knocking on doors and asking questions. ATF agents raided a Wilkes-Barre Township home to scare the neighbours in January.
ATF today’s reckless message urges people to attempt to have their ex-lovers killed with SWAT Raids. For example, when “pranksters”, calling police, falsely allege that there is a violent crime at their target’s house, officers are forced to appear in force and carry weapons. In such cases, innocent people are terrorized—or worse. In 2017, a caller claimed that a hostage situation had been created and police killed the man.
He was convicted and given a 20-year sentence for the Wichita phone call. Now the ATF has taken over. EncourageingPeople will use the law enforcement officers to exact revenge.
It’s not the only one who uses social media to get revenge. Rockmart Police Department of Georgia, also used social media for revenge to inspire jilted lovers. Do you know of an ex-Valentine who has outstanding warrants against them? Are you able to provide information about whether they have drugs in their vehicle? The department shared the information via Instagram and Facebook. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Department of North Carolina gave them the idea. In North Carolina, the exact same thing occurred last year.
This is not harmless. These messages could have been posted by a former lover who is vengeful and wants to punish someone completely innocent. This should have given law enforcement agencies cause for concern. The fact that it didn’t speaks to an unpleasant mindset that has taken hold among some cops—the idea that their authority is an acceptable tool not just to stop crimes but to punish those who have done you wrong. Many police cases of abuse involve officers who target those who criticize their behavior or refuse to accept their advances.