The head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of mass shootings and gun violence in the United States. Director Steve Dettelbach emphasized the importance of not becoming desensitized to such tragedies, urging communities to take action rather than succumb to apathy.
Dettelbach's remarks followed a meeting with family members of the victims of a recent shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine, where 18 individuals lost their lives at a bowling alley and a bar. The shooter, a U.S. Army reservist, also took his own life.
During the meeting, attendees raised questions about missed warning signs and the accessibility of firearms to individuals with mental health issues. Dettelbach highlighted the power of community voices in driving change, encouraging those affected by gun violence to speak out and advocate for solutions.
Notably, members of Maine's deaf and hard of hearing community, who lost four individuals in the Lewiston shooting, emphasized the need for improved communication with law enforcement. The widow of one victim stressed the importance of learning from the tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dettelbach refrained from commenting on specific cases but underscored the necessity of making it more difficult for individuals deemed unfit to possess firearms to acquire them. He reiterated his support for measures such as universal background checks and the prohibition of assault weapons.
As part of his efforts to address gun violence, Dettelbach engaged in discussions with law enforcement and community members in New England. He emphasized that every shooting, regardless of media coverage, has a lasting impact on lives and underscores the collective responsibility of Americans to respond and take action.
In a speech at Dartmouth College, Dettelbach called on citizens to view incidents of gun violence as a call to action, emphasizing the need for solidarity and support for those affected by such tragedies.
