IFA Statement on Dettelbach Confirmation as ATF Director

Gun Crisis Has Made Record-Level Extremism Exponentially More Deadly & Volatile

Dettelbach Well-Positioned to Address Dual Crises -- But Challenges Require Whole-of-Government Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC -- Integrity First for America -- the civil rights nonprofit that recently won its landmark lawsuit against the white supremacists responsible for the Charlottesville violence -- welcomed the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Steve Dettelbach to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Dettelbach is a highly respected former U.S. Attorney and career prosecutor who has confronted domestic extremism, as well as a member of IFA’s Leadership Council.

IFA Executive Director Amy Spitalnick released the following statement:

“We should be very clear: The gun crisis has made record-level extremism exponentially more deadly and volatile, posing a direct threat to our communities and our democracy.

This moment requires all hands on deck. After over seven years without a permanent ATF Director, Steve Dettelbach's confirmation marks a much-needed positive step. His deep experience and personal commitment to combating violence and hate is precisely what we need at the Bureau.

Now, it's crucial that Dettelbach be able to get to work as soon as possible -- and that the entire administration, Congress, and state and local partners work with him to prioritize the dual crises of gun violence and extremism."