For the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), remembering victims of gun violence is not only about uplifting their memories, but putting an end to a deadly epidemic, plaguing thousands of American families across the nation. ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit on April 23, hosted at the agency’s headquarters in Northeast, D.C., emphasized firearms’ harsh impact beyond lethal bullets, and promoted peace in communities nationwide.
“Survivors of gun violence, including those in law enforcement, came together to tell their stories and engage in important discussions about preventing gun violence, which continues to devastate families and communities across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I thank the women and men of ATF for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe and for convening this summit. And I’m especially grateful to today’s participants who have lost loved ones to gun violence and who honor their memories by fighting for a better, safer future.”
According to Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, 43,000 Americans die annually due to gun violence, averaging to more than 116 people per day. During the summit, ATF unveiled “Faces of Gun Violence,” an exhibit housed at the agency’s headquarters that highlights victims as more than just numbers, but as people with families, stories and legacies.
“The ‘Faces of Gun Violence’ exhibit is a permanent reminder of what ATF comes to work to do every day — a reminder of why agents risk their lives and why everyone at ATF dedicates their careers to this mission: to honor the fallen and protect the living,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “This exhibit both honors and tells the stories of the victims of firearms violence. And it reminds us to keep front and center the lives, the stories, and the courage of those who have been impacted by firearms violence.”
The exhibit also includes a digital kiosk that will memorialize the names, biographies and stories of individuals as submitted. The wall features the names and likeness of over 100 victims of gun violence across the nation ranging from all ages, races and genders, and will be updated annually.
“Behind me, we see a 15-year-old boy from Washington, D.C., who helped his football team win a championship. We see a mother and her three young daughters from Oregon, who spent their final evening together in excited anticipation of the eldest daughter’s first day of kindergarten. We see a 17-year-old honors student from Michigan, who tutored his classmates and loved his three little brothers,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Each victim in this exhibit was someone’s world: their beloved child; their role model; their revered elder; their best friend; their hero; the love of their life.”
As families reflected on their loss, Garland assured them that their deaths were not in vain.
“I know that the tragedy of gun violence in our country is so enduring and so enormous that it can often feel like there is nothing we can do. But that could not be further from the truth,” said Garland. “In the effort to keep our country safe from gun violence, the Justice Department will never give in and never give up.”
His speech also noted new prosecutorial practices to convict repeat offenders and crack down on the trafficking of illegal firearms.
“Technology like crime gun intelligence is supercharging our ability to swiftly identify repeat shooters and take them off the streets,” Monaco reported. “With these tools, we trace guns and bullets from crime scenes; locate where and how people are buying illegal guns; and link seemingly unrelated crimes to take repeat shooters off the streets before they can strike again.”
According to Monaco, over 700 guns have been kept out of the hands of young people and 400 illegal gun traffickers have been accountable due to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act legislation from 2022 that was recently expanded.
“Just last week, the Justice Department finalized a rule that will require all those in the business of selling guns to obtain a federal license and run background checks — which we know keeps guns out of the hands of violent criminals and saves lives,” she continued, referencing enhancements signed into law by President Joe Biden.
The law closes what was known as the “gun loophole” which allowed people to purchase weapons at gun shows without screening outside of brick-and-mortar stores. “Despite progress, we need to do more. We need to do more to keep guns out of the hands of violent domestic partners. We need to do more to support law enforcement as they work to interrupt and prevent domestic violence. And we need to do more to protect courageous survivors,” said Monaco. “My promise is this: we will not stop working to prevent gun violence and honor its victims and survivors. Because every single gun crime is one too many. Every single shooter who evades justice is one too many. And every single innocent life lost to gun violence is one too many.”