Giffords Thanks David Chipman for Three Decades of Service in Pursuit of Public Safety
Washington, DC — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced today that Senior Advisor David Chipman is leaving the organization after six years. David Chipman leaves a legacy of unparalleled service to the cause of gun violence prevention and the larger cause of public safety, to which he has dedicated his long, illustrious career. He was also nominated by President Biden in 2021 to serve as the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“I’ve worked with many people in the fight for gun safety over the past 10 years, and few have given as much of their heart and soul to this work as David Chipman. David is fiercely loyal and unwaveringly committed to doing what’s right—even when it’s hard. He is a steadfast leader, an outspoken advocate, and the epitome of grace in the face of pressure. During the six years he spent at Giffords, David fought to save lives from gun violence and bring an end to an epidemic that claims upwards of 45,000 lives each year.
“David and I have very different backgrounds, but so much in common: we are both responsible gun owners, proud patriots, and biking enthusiasts. For six years, we have been colleagues and close friends, and while one aspect of this relationship is drawing to a close, I know the fight for gun safety will never be far from David’s mind or heart. While I will miss working with David Chipman, I am forever grateful for the indelible contributions he has made to Giffords and to the gun violence prevention movement.”
While at Giffords, David was a vital part of the organization’s strategy and policy work over the past few years, from the response to the gun lobby’s attempts to pass concealed carry reciprocity laws to his work advocating for commonsense, lifesaving policies like universal background checks. David’s firearms expertise and knowledge of law enforcement has been invaluable to the organization and the larger gun safety movement, as has his dedication to resisting gun lobby extremism. David has advised policymakers on these issues and has provided expert testimony before Congress on firearms legislation. In addition, David served two terms on the Firearms Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
As an agent, David spent his career in service of ATF’s unique mission of enforcing firearms and explosives laws that protect communities from people perpetuating violence and criminal activities, investigating acts of arson, bombings, and terrorism, and combating the illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products.
Throughout his 25-year career at ATF, David served as an investigative responder providing assistance to state and local authorities in the aftermath of significant bombings and arsons. As a Certified Explosives Specialist, David investigated some of the most serious incidents of terrorism of the decade, including the World Trade Center Bombing in 1993 and Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. In 1996, David also investigated a series of racially motivated arsons that destroyed a number of predominantly Black houses of worship in Boligee, Alabama, an investigation that ultimately brought the perpetrators to justice.
David served on the Special Response Team (SRT), ATF’s version of SWAT. He managed complex firearms trafficking cases, including busting organized criminal groups involving the transportation of guns to New York in exchange for illegal drugs in the Tidewater Virginia area. In honor of his efforts to keep dangerous weapons out of communities, David was awarded the Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety.
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