FBI Chief, Citing Threat, Orders Semiautomatic Guns for Agents

Responding to the increasing firepower in the hands of drug dealers and other criminals, FBI Director William S. Sessions said Monday he has ordered that new semiautomatic 10-millimeter handguns be issued to all of the bureau’s 9,700 agents.

The more powerful handguns, which will have the capacity to fire rapidly at least 12 rounds without reloading, will replace the 6-shot revolvers that have been the standard weapon for FBI agents since the 1930s. Police and gun control groups said Monday that the bureau’s decision will accelerate a growing movement by law enforcement agencies to acquire semiautomatic weapons.

But Sessions stopped short of joining Drug Enforcement Administrator John C. Lawn and a host of local police chiefs in calling for a complete ban on the sale of semiautomatic assault guns. He said it was up to Congress to decide whether to ban domestic weapons production as President Bush barred certain foreign imports last July.

Sessions said also during an interview with Washington Post reporters and editors that the bureau had been denied its request for 1,000 new agents to handle drug investigations, nearly double the current number assigned to drug cases.

Milt Ahlerich, assistant FBI director for public affairs, said a competitive procurement program for the new 10-millimeter weapon will begin shortly, costing the FBI about $5 million. Sessions indicated that the guns would be distributed to agents next year.

Only two gun manufacturers--Springfield Armory and Colt Industries--currently market 10-millimeter handguns.