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.