LULAC Analysis: Senate Confirmation Of New Director To Lead The Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms Must Result in More Action

Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Uvalde, Texas, and Other Deadly Mass Shootings Demand Increased Background Checks and Oversight of Gun Sales

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s 48-46 vote to approve Steve Dettelbach to head the ATF. This agency's charge is to enforce laws on firearms' manufacture, distribution, possession, and use. Dettelbach is a lawyer who served as U.S. Attorney for Ohio’s Northern District for six years. During his tenure, Dettelbach was known for his vigorous prosecution of public corruption, violent gangs, domestic extremism, and civil rights violations.

Domingo García – LULAC National President
“This vote is an important first step because the ATF has not had a permanent director for seven years! The gun lobby has kicked and screamed all the way and made any progress impossible if that means tightening laws that impact its clients. Mr. Dettelbach’s confirmation is only by two razor-thin votes even after the murder of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. This school tragedy was only the latest mass shooting of too many in our country, and you still see politicians in the pockets of the gun makers refusing to reform gun laws. LULAC affirms the actions of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and those who supported the nomination for pushing through this confirmation. We want to see the ATF step up enforcement to ensure that we have rigorous background checks and oversight of gun sales, especially of semi-automatic firearms."

Sindy Benavides – LULAC National Chief Executive Officer
“Mr. Dettelbach's confirmation conveys that the status quo is unacceptable. With deliberate urgency at every opportunity, we continue to share LULAC's position calling for tightening gun legislation. The reforms include measures that respect the 2nd Amendment while keeping firearms away from individuals with a history of mental illness. Also, raising the age from 18 to 21 before a person can buy a firearm. Plus, requiring more thorough background checks on all firearms sold in the United States and Puerto Rico. In addition, the ATF must step up its investigations to identify and stop the lucrative industry of illegal firearm modifications. These include conversions and devices that increase speed and capacity and make it far deadlier during a crime. The goal is to make our communities safer without infringing on responsible gun owners but recognizing some people cannot have access to firearms.”

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.