Following a close Senate confirmation vote that installed him as the ninth FBI Director, Kash Patel is now slated to helm the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to two sources who spoke with Fox News Digital on Saturday. This rapid transition comes on the heels of Patel's swearing-in ceremony on Friday and follows former FBI Director Christopher Wray's resignation at the close of President Biden's term. Adding to the series of changes, Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed ATF's chief legal counsel, Pamela Hicks, on Thursday.

Kash Patel, the newly appointed FBI director, during his swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Hicks confirmed her departure in a LinkedIn post, stating that she received official notice of her termination from the Attorney General. Having served as ATF's chief counsel since 2021 under the Biden administration, Hicks also held the deputy chief counsel position during President Trump's initial term, culminating in a 23-year legal career within the Department of Justice.

Attorney General Pam Bondi (right) and former ATF Chief Counsel Pamela Hicks. (ATF/Getty Images)

In her LinkedIn message, Hicks expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as ATF Chief Counsel, describing it as the pinnacle of her professional life. She also acknowledged the positive working relationships she fostered within the ATF and the broader Department of Justice.

Kash Patel taking the oath of office as FBI director, administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi. (Reuters/Leah Millis)

Bondi shed light on the rationale behind the ATF personnel changes, telling Fox News on Thursday that the previous administration's focus on gun owners would not continue under the current leadership. Both the FBI and ATF operate under the umbrella of the Department of Justice.