Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed a gathering at ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit, expressing gratitude for the introduction he received and acknowledging the hard work of the ATF professionals in protecting communities.
Garland also highlighted the importance of meeting gun violence survivors, stating, "They shared with me their stories, their grief, and their devotion to preventing other families from experiencing the profound loss that they have experienced."
Reflecting on the victims of gun violence, Garland emphasized the impact each individual had on their loved ones, saying, "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."
The Attorney General reassured the audience that the Justice Department remains committed to combating gun violence, stating, "In the effort to keep our country safe from gun violence, the Justice Department will never give in and never give up."
Garland also highlighted recent efforts to address gun violence, including the issuance of significant gun regulations aimed at expanding background checks and curbing unlicensed firearms dealing. He emphasized the importance of these regulations in the fight against gun violence, stating, "And it will save lives."
In closing, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland pledged continued dedication to the cause, promising to work tirelessly to honor the lives lost to gun violence and ensure the safety of families, law enforcement, and communities.