John—

For years, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been controlled by the gun industry, making it nearly impossible for the agency to do its job: enforcing gun laws.

Our latest report, ATF: Captured by the Gun Lobby, explains what it means to be a captured agency and why ATF fits this definition:

• ATF unquestioningly accepts the opinion of the gun industry regarding the classification of weapons.
• ATF has taken an extremely lenient approach to irresponsible gun stores, often enabling them to stay open despite clear violations of the law.
• ATF refuses to provide information to the public about its inner workings, shielding it from scrutiny and benefiting the gun industry at the expense of public safety.

Last week, the Senate took an important step to address the longtime problems at ATF by confirming Steve Dettelbach as ATF Director. It’s now up to Director Dettelbach to take decisive action to ensure that ATF enforces gun laws, regulates the gun industry, and prevents firearm trafficking.

As gun violence rises across the country, ATF remains in an extremely precarious position, with an especially critical mission. I hope you’ll read our report and continue to stand with us in this fight. 

All the best,
Lindsay

PS: ATF is one step closer to being free of the gun industry’s grasp, but the fight isn’t over yet—can you pitch in today to help us keep up the pressure?

--
Lindsay Nichols
Federal Policy Director
Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence