Recommendations for Newly Confirmed ATF Director Steve Dettelbach

This coalition letter, led by the Center for American Progress in partnership with gun violence prevention and allied organizations, includes a list of immediate actions the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can take to reduce gun violence.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Gun Violence Prevention

Part of a Series

Sensible Solutions To Prevent Gun Violence in the U.S.

A crowd is gathered to protest gun violence, with one sign that says,

Sensible Solutions To Prevent Gun Violence in the U.S.

On July 12, 2022, the Senate confirmed Steve Dettelbach as director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a role that has been vacant since 2015. In this letter, the Center for American Progress and partner organizations make more than 30 recommendations to Director Dettelbach on how to enhance oversight of the gun industry, implement measures to combat gun trafficking, prevent domestic violence shootings, reduce firearm suicides, and increase transparency.

Read the full letter here.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Nick Wilson

Senior Director, Public Safety

Allison Jordan

Former Policy Analyst, Gun Violence Prevention

Team

Public Safety

Protecting people from crime is one of the government’s most fundamental and urgent responsibilities. However, the current reality is that too many crimes go unsolved and too many victims lack justice. The Center for American Progress is committed to advancing evidence-based policies that keep individuals safe by solving crime when it happens, ensuring swift and certain accountability for those who harm others, and preventing crime in the first place.

Explore The Series

Sensible Solutions To Prevent Gun Violence in the U.S.

SeriesNovember 2, 2022

Sensible Solutions To Prevent Gun Violence in the U.S.

Gun violence in the United States is a pervasive public health issue. Ending this crisis requires a multipronged approach to address the many forms of gun violence that affect our communities. Firearm suicides, homicides, intimate partner and domestic violence, community gun violence, gun trafficking, and more all contribute to the immediate and growing need for comprehensive gun violence prevention policies.

Gun violence is not inevitable. The following resources discuss sensible solutions to address the gun violence epidemic.

The United States Must Address Its Gun Trafficking Crisis

ATF agents are seen in shadows next to a pickup truck bed holding seized and purchased guns in Maryland.

The United States Must Address Its Gun Trafficking Crisis

Debunking Myths the Gun Lobby Perpetuates Following Mass Shootings

Photo shows wooden crosses displaying the victims' names in front of the Robb Elementary School sign.