Biden Administration Continues to Show Leadership on Gun Violence Prevention with Announcement of Comprehensive Strategy on Gun Crime and Public Safety
Washington, DC — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, commended the Biden-Harris administration for announcing a comprehensive strategy to prevent gun violence and protect public safety. Today, the White House announced that it will take steps to hold bad actor firearms dealers accountable and prevent trafficking across state lines, invest in community violence intervention programs and other resources for underserved communities, and help formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter their communities.
Giffords Executive Director Peter Ambler:
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris continue to make good on their promises to address America’s gun violence epidemic. This White House prioritizes public safety and also the worth and dignity of all Americans—for the Biden-Harris administration, it’s not an either/or. The steps announced today—including funding evidence-based community violence intervention programs and cracking down on rogue dealers that jeopardize all of our safety—build on the actions the administration announced in April, including the nomination of David Chipman as ATF director.
At Giffords, we often say that no one law or policy will prevent all acts of gun violence. Gun violence is a complex problem that requires an array of solutions. President Biden and Vice President Harris understand this, and they understand that the time for change and action is now. We are so grateful for their courageous leadership on this issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with their administration towards a future where no family is torn apart and no American lives in fear of gun violence.
We join the president and vice president in calling on Congress to take immediate action as well. It’s time for the Senate to pass fundamental gun safety laws, including universal background checks. The Senate should also vote to confirm David Chipman, whose extensive law enforcement experience and strong leadership would help ATF be the most effective agency it can be.”
Giffords Community Violence Initiative Director Paul Carrillo:
“For far too long, politicians across the nation have turned a blind eye to the preventable tragedies of community violence. These shootings disproportionately impact underserved communities—communities that the Biden-Harris administration is making an effort to invest in through steps like the ones announced today. We must celebrate these victories and this progress while also acknowledging how far we have left to go. Funding proven community violence intervention programs and increasing the resources available to formerly incarcerated individuals are crucial steps on this long, important journey.”
In April, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke from the White House Rose Garden to announce a series of executive actions on gun safety. Among these executive actions were a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of ghost guns, a model extreme risk law released by the Department of Justice, and recommended community violence intervention investments in addition to the $5 billion included in the president’s recent infrastructure bill. Gabby Giffords and a number of other survivors and activists were in attendance.
In addition to these executive actions, Attorney General Garland announced the nomination of David Chipman as ATF director. David Chipman testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee during a nomination hearing on May 26, and the Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on his nomination on June 24.