The Justice Department is intensifying its efforts to reduce violent crime in the U.S. by establishing a specialized gun intelligence center in Chicago and expanding task forces to address carjackings. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the ongoing need to enhance community safety, despite some areas experiencing a decline in crime following a spike during the pandemic.
The Justice Department aims to bolster successful strategies by leveraging federal resources to amplify their impact. President Joe Biden's administration has prioritized addressing violent crime, with a particular focus on gun violence, a key issue in his reelection campaign.
Recently, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) finalized a new rule mandating additional background checks for firearms buyers at gun shows and other venues outside traditional stores, a move likely to face legal challenges from gun rights groups.
The newly established gun crime intelligence center in Chicago will facilitate collaboration among federal agents, state and local law enforcement, and prosecutors to enhance firearm intelligence analysis. This initiative, modeled after similar ATF centers nationwide, aims to identify traffickers and prolific shooters more effectively.
ATF Director Steve Dettelbach highlighted the center's role in swiftly responding to incidents and preventing violent individuals from obtaining firearms. The center, staffed by 65 agents, officers, analysts, and prosecutors, is a critical component of the Justice Department's strategy to combat gun violence.
Despite a decrease in shootings and killings in Chicago last year, the city remains a hotspot for gun violence. The recent tragic shooting incident on the South Side underscores the urgency of addressing this issue and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Additionally, the Justice Department has expanded task forces to combat carjackings in seven more U.S. attorney's offices, including districts in Texas, Alabama, and California. These task forces, comprising federal prosecutors, ATF and FBI agents, and local law enforcement, aim to enhance early federal involvement in carjacking investigations to support local prosecution efforts.
Efforts to combat violent crime are ongoing, with the Justice Department committed to leveraging federal resources and partnerships to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence across the country.
