US suggests Valentine’s Day revenge against exes

A federal law enforcement agency has suggested a novel way for Americans to get back at their ex-lovers on Valentine’s Day: Turn them in for illegal gun activity.

The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) tweeted its holiday pitch on Monday, urging people to take revenge against their exes. “Let us know, and we will make sure it’s a Valentine’s Day to remember,” the agency said.

The ATF promoted the idea as a way to make the special day for lovers fun, even for those who had broken up with someone. It also made up a poster soliciting tips from people with former mates who buy or sell guns illegally, saying, “We would love to meet and treat them to a Valentine’s Day surprise.”

However, the appeal was met with pushback on Twitter, where it was lampooned by critics. Much of the ridicule pointed to hypocrisy, such as the fact that President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, still hasn’t been charged for allegedly concealing his history of drug abuse when he bought a gun in 2018.

Many observers pointed to the Obama-Biden administration’s “Fast and Furious” operation, in which the ATF purposely allowed illegal sales of firearms in the hope of tracking the weapons to Mexican drug cartel leaders. Some of the guns were later found at crime scenes on both sides of the US-Mexico border, including the murder of US Border Patrol agent Brian Terry in 2010.

Others reminded the ATF of its past debacles, including the infamous and deadly Ruby Ridge and Waco sieges with the FBI. The Waco massacre ended with 76 people, including 25 children, being burned to death at a religious cult compound.

Still other critics warned that the ATF’s suggestion could lead to “swatting,” as bitter exes might make false claims against former lovers in the hope of triggering an armed raid by law enforcement. Such raids have led to several deaths.

“What could go wrong when it comes to the ATF and swatting people for fun?” journalist Michael Praats asked.

Such vengeance doesn’t have to be limited to exes. The ATF said it welcomes crime tips about both former and current partners.