Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Highlights Efforts to Combat Gun Violence at ATF’s Chiefs of Police Executive Forum

Washington, DC - June 22, 2023

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed the attendees of the ATF's Chiefs of Police Executive Forum on Crime Guns, expressing his gratitude for their dedication and highlighting the urgent need to address gun violence in communities across the United States. The event, held at ATF headquarters, brought together law enforcement leaders from various parts of the country.

Garland acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement officers who not only combat violent crime but also serve as first responders to deeply entrenched social problems. He recognized the dangers they face daily and the emotional toll they bear in witnessing tragic events that most Americans never experience.

In the aftermath of mass shootings and incidents of gun violence, Garland emphasized that communities turn to law enforcement for support and answers. He expressed deep concern over the continuing occurrence of such acts, describing it as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The Department of Justice, along with the ATF, recognizes the urgency to intensify efforts in combating gun violence. Garland outlined several key initiatives aimed at addressing this pressing issue.

First, the DOJ is leveraging the resources of all 25 ATF Field Divisions and 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices to investigate and prosecute repeat offenders responsible for the highest levels of gun violence. Prosecutors and agents are utilizing every available authority to crack down on criminal gun trafficking networks and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

Garland highlighted the success of strike forces established in five critical corridors across the country. These strike forces have resulted in the prosecution of 682 defendants and the seizure of over 4,000 illegal firearms, including nearly 300 machine guns and conversion devices. Additionally, prosecutions of unlicensed firearms dealing have increased by 52% between 2021 and 2022, with expectations of further increases this year.

Secondly, the DOJ aims to maximize the impact of grant programs that provide targeted support and assistance to law enforcement agencies and communities nationwide. Over $139 million was awarded last year through the COPS Hiring Program, facilitating the hiring of additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The upcoming year will see over $224 million dedicated to this program. The DOJ is also funding evidence-informed, community-centered initiatives focused on preventing and disrupting gun violence, including support for extreme risk protection order laws and life-saving programs.

The third pillar of the DOJ's approach involves strengthening partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies. Collaboration between ATF Special Agents in Charge (SACs), agents, and experts with their counterparts at the state and local levels is crucial in tackling gun violence comprehensively. Garland provided notable examples of successful joint operations, highlighting the work of ATF San Francisco in identifying a suspect involved in a mass shooting, ATF Cape Girardeau's involvement in convicting Gangster Disciples leaders, and ATF Philadelphia's operation to arrest a suspected firearms trafficker.

Garland emphasized the significance of ATF's crime gun intelligence capabilities, such as Crime Gun Intelligence Centers and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). He praised NIBIN for generating nearly 200,000 leads on violent criminals since June of the previous year. To further enhance its effectiveness, a policy was implemented requiring the submission of all firearms and fired cartridges recovered in connection with federal investigations to NIBIN. The DOJ continues to collaborate with state, local, and Tribal partners to ensure timely ballistics evidence submission.

Garland also discussed the expansion of ATF's eTrace program, a central online database for firearms data across jurisdictions. Recognizing potential barriers to eTrace usage, ATF has implemented a pilot program called eTrace DIRECT, allowing law enforcement agencies with centralized records and case management systems to automate firearms data submission.

Addressing the growing concern of ghost guns, the DOJ has designated coordinators in all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and ATF Field Divisions. These coordinators are supported by a newly established division at ATF headquarters, and updated regulations have been enacted to prevent criminals and prohibited individuals from obtaining untraceable firearms.

In concluding his remarks, Attorney General Garland reaffirmed the Justice Department's commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat gun violence. He acknowledged the immense responsibility borne by these agencies and pledged to provide them with the necessary partnership and support.

The Attorney General expressed his gratitude to the forum attendees for their dedication and service to their communities and the country. As the forum came to a close, he encouraged them to continue their crucial work in safeguarding communities and protecting the nation from gun violence.

The event concluded with a sense of shared determination and a renewed commitment to address the urgent issue of gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice.

Indianapolis Man Receives 30-Year Sentence for Murdering U.S. Postal Service Employee

 Justice Served as Court Sentences Tony Cushingberry for Fatal Shooting of Angela Summers

Indianapolis, IN - Tony Cushingberry, a 24-year-old resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been handed a 30-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of Angela Summers, a dedicated United States Postal Service (USPS) employee. The court also found him guilty of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, intensifying the severity of his sentence.

The tragic incident unfolded on April 27, 2020, at around 3:57 p.m. when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to a distress call on North Denny Street. They discovered Angela Summers, a devoted letter carrier, shot and gravely injured on the front porch of a residence along her mail delivery route.

Eyewitness accounts and court records revealed that Cushingberry, situated on his own porch, had observed Summers passing by his house on that fateful day. Acting aggressively, Cushingberry confronted Summers on a neighboring porch, repeatedly demanding his mail. Undeterred, he pursued Summers, brandishing a handgun and ultimately firing a fatal shot into her chest from a short distance away.

Fleeing the scene immediately, Cushingberry hid the firearm in a detached garage nearby. However, on April 27, 2020, diligent efforts by United States Postal Inspectors and IMPD Officers led to the discovery of a safe inside Cushingberry's residence. The safe contained multiple boxes of ammunition, including a fired cartridge casing matching the Glock pistol used in the crime.

Angela Summers was urgently transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition but tragically succumbed to her injuries, with her life being cut short at 5:31 p.m. that evening. The loss of Summers, both a beloved family member and a dedicated public servant, sent shockwaves through the community.

Zachary A. Myers, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, expressed deep sorrow over the untimely loss of Angela Summers and emphasized the significance of accountability in such cases. He stated, "Our communities should not have to live in fear of every conflict leading to gun violence. No term of imprisonment will bring Angela back, but the sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who kill will face judgment and accountability."

The successful collaboration between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), IMPD, and federal prosecutors was commended by Myers for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case.

Detroit Division Inspector in Charge, Rodney Hopkins, highlighted the commitment of local and federal partners in seeking justice for Angela Summers, emphasizing that such violent acts against Postal Service employees would not be tolerated. Hopkins stated, "This sentence should serve as a warning to others who commit violent acts against Postal Service employees that Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate and seek to have those individuals sentenced to the maximum extent possible."

Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF's Columbus Field Division, extended heartfelt condolences to Summers' grieving family, friends, and colleagues. McCormick expressed hope that the imposed sentence would provide them with some measure of closure.

The investigation into this heinous crime involved the tireless efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson presided over the case, imposing the 30-year prison sentence on Cushingberry. Additionally, Judge Stinson ordered that Cushingberry be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Myers expressed gratitude to Assistant United States Attorneys Jayson W. McGrath and Peter A. Blackett for their dedicated prosecution of this case, ensuring justice was served for the loss of Angela Summers.

As the community reflects on this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by postal workers in the line of duty. Their safety and security remain paramount, and concerted efforts must continue to protect those who selflessly serve our communities.