Rogue Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent Jack DeForest (Terence Knox) creates an instant enemy when he stumbles across and interdicts an arms hijacking by terrorist Englishman Josef Szabo (David Warner) during which Szabo's 16-year-old son is shot and killed. As retaliation, Szabo kidnaps his estranged wife and teenage son. Meanwhile, because of his over-the-top tactics, ATF boss Lee Pitt (Yaphet Kotto) demands DeForest resign. He continues to investigate under the table with ATF agent Annie (Isabella Hofmann). Meanwhile, Szabo has killed his wife but drugs the boy with Demerol and tells his father has abandoned him. DeForest tracks Szabo to his remote hideout, kills Szabo and rescues his son just as ATF agents drive up.