Attorney General Delivers Remarks at ATF’s Third Annual Chiefs of Police Executive Forum on Crime Guns
On June 6, 2024, the Attorney General addressed attendees at the ATF’s Third Annual Chiefs of Police Executive Forum on Crime Guns. The speech highlighted the Department of Justice's ongoing efforts to combat violent crime through partnerships and advanced technological tools.
The Attorney General began by expressing gratitude for the leadership of Steve and the dedication of ATF professionals. He acknowledged the critical role police chiefs play in supporting the Justice Department's work.
“When I became Attorney General, I knew that grappling with the violent crime that had surged during the pandemic would be one of the most urgent challenges the Justice Department would face,” he said. Drawing from his experience as a prosecutor during the crack wars, he emphasized that partnerships are among the most powerful tools to confront violent crime.
The Attorney General detailed several initiatives aimed at strengthening these partnerships. These include expanding access to advanced technological tools such as ballistics analysis and firearms tracing, working in joint task forces with state and local law enforcement, and investing in community policing efforts through grant programs.
He cited FBI data showing a decrease in violent crime across communities in 2023 compared to 2022, including a significant reduction in homicides. Specific cities like Atlanta, San Antonio, and Philadelphia experienced notable declines in homicide rates.
Despite this progress, he acknowledged that there is no acceptable level of violent crime: “Violent crime not only threatens people’s safety; it threatens their ability to go about their daily lives.”
The Attorney General also highlighted a particularly tough year for law enforcement officers. According to FBI data, 2023 marked a ten-year high for officers assaulted or injured by firearms. Sixty officers were feloniously killed in duty last year.
He spoke about a recently dedicated memorial honoring those who lost their lives due to gun violence: “Of the 118 people honored in the memorial today, 39 are heroic law enforcement officers who were killed by gun violence in the line of duty.”
Efforts to fight gun violence include cracking down on criminal gun-trafficking pipelines and updating regulations under new authorities provided by legislation such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The BSCA has expanded prosecutorial authority against firearms traffickers and straw purchasers while enhancing background checks.
In conclusion, he stressed that while progress has been made, much work remains: “Our work is not done until all Americans feel safe in their communities.” He extended gratitude to state and local law enforcement leaders for their sacrifices and urged them never to hesitate when seeking support from federal agencies.
“Thank you for being here today,” he concluded.
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