Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks at the ATF's Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors' Summit on April 23, 2024. She expressed her gratitude to all attendees, especially those who have lost loved ones to gun violence, stating, "Your presence honors their memory and fuels our fight for a better, safer future."
Monaco acknowledged the courage and commitment of the community gathered at the summit, emphasizing that despite being survivors, advocates, and members of law enforcement from diverse backgrounds, they are bound by extraordinary courage. She highlighted the Faces of Gun Violence Exhibit, which pays tribute to 118 individuals whose lives were cut short by gun violence, as a poignant reminder of the toll gun violence takes on the country.
The Deputy Attorney General underscored the importance of coming together to address gun violence, stating, "The Department of Justice has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe and that means targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime in this country — namely gun violence."
Monaco also discussed the progress being made in combating gun violence, including initiatives focusing on repeat shooters, community-based prevention programs, and the implementation of technology like crime gun intelligence to hold violent criminals accountable and prevent future tragedies.
In closing, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco reiterated her commitment to preventing gun violence and honoring its victims and survivors, stating, "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."
The Summit provided a platform for survivors, law enforcement, experts, and public servants to come together in the shared goal of ending gun violence and creating safer communities.