The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is advocating for increased funding, personnel, and technology to combat gun trafficking, according to its latest firearms trace data report. The report, titled “National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment: Firearms Trafficking Investigations,” includes a wish list for Universal Background Checks and highlights the agency’s challenges with outdated databases and processes, as well as a shortage of full-time employees to track firearms from sale to crime scenes.
Gun rights advocates argue that the ATF is restricted from creating a firearms registry and should focus more on combating crime than politics. They believe that the agency’s data, based on sample data, may not be trustworthy due to potential politicization under President Biden.
The report reveals that nearly 230,000 trafficked guns were found in 7,779 cases between 2017 and 2021, with an average of 16 firearms per investigation. The most common trafficking-related crime reported was dealing firearms without a license. However, some advocates claim that the ATF is targeting law-abiding citizens and federally licensed dealers instead of focusing on more significant cases involving illegal gun trafficking.
Despite the ATF’s call for increased funding to enhance its data systems for better analysis, critics like Aidan Johnston of Gun Owners of America question the agency’s reliability with the data it already possesses. They argue that the ATF has accumulated millions of records from firearms dealers over the years, despite federal laws mandating data destruction to prevent a firearms registry.
In conclusion, while the ATF seeks additional resources to combat gun trafficking, some critics remain skeptical of the agency’s intentions and ability to handle sensitive data responsibly.
This is what is referred to as a straw purchase.
Another offense mentioned in the report is being a felon in possession of a firearm, which is often linked to a straw purchase.
According to the report, firearms that are trafficked are reportedly linked to almost 19 percent of aggravated assaults, 11 percent of homicide cases, and over 9 percent of attempted homicides.
Felons Found With Guns
Approximately 60 percent of individuals found with trafficked firearms were convicted felons. Nearly half, 48 percent, were aged between 25 and 34 years old.
“ATF acknowledges the significant role firearms play in violent crimes and follows a comprehensive regulatory and enforcement approach. The agency’s investigative priorities target armed violent offenders, career criminals, narcotics traffickers, narco-terrorists, violent gangs, and domestic and international arms traffickers,” as stated online.
Mr. Kozuch stated that there are currently no obstacles preventing the ATF from combatting crime.
“ATF’s internal data contradicts its argument for the necessity of new laws, but it is not surprising that the ATF under the Biden Administration would seize any opportunity to advocate for more gun control,” Mr. Kozuch’s statement said.
Mr. Johnston concurred, noting that the report clearly outlines the ATF’s primary objective.
“Their focus isn’t on reducing crime; it’s on restricting the Second Amendment,” he remarked.
