ATF Headquarters Removes Gun Violence Exhibit, Sparking Outcry
In a move that has stirred emotions, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has taken down an exhibit dedicated to victims of gun violence at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Department of Justice confirmed the removal of the display, which included portraits of 120 individuals who lost their lives to gun violence, along with a digital kiosk sharing their biographies.
The display, titled “Faces of Gun Violence,” served as a poignant reminder of the impact of firearms-related tragedies. Among the portraits was Robert Lee Godwin Sr., who was tragically shot to death in 2017 while collecting aluminum cans in Cleveland. His daughter, Brenda Joiner, described Godwin as a humble, beloved fisherman, whose inclusion in the exhibit was deeply meaningful.
“It was absolutely an honor and a very proud moment and I felt like this country was actually taking recognition and taking note of all the lives that are lost to gun violence,” Joiner told NPR.
While the physical and online versions of the exhibit have been removed, the Department of Justice states that it plans to continue honoring victims of violent crimes in other ways, not limited to gun violence. A spokesperson conveyed that the ATF remains committed to remembering all victims while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
The exhibit, inaugurated in April 2024, aimed to commemorate victims of mass shootings, domestic violence, suicides, and more. It was a project of the Biden administration, which had planned to feature a new group of 200 victims annually. The removal of the exhibit was first reported by The Washington Post.
Kris Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, expressed disappointment over the removal, calling it “deeply, deeply troubling.” She criticized the decision as political, accusing the Trump administration of trying to “deny the reality that gun violence exists.” Brown warned of potential increases in gun violence, homicides, and suicides as a result.
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was among the victims honored in the exhibit, shared his frustration, stating, “We are here saddened by the reality that her photo has been removed and sits in an ATF trash can, completely disregarded by this heartless Administration who could clearly care less about my child or any child being gunned down in America.”
Amid the controversy, the Justice Department has not disclosed the current location of the portraits. Meanwhile, Brenda Joiner, who has since joined the Brady team, remains committed to advocating against gun violence, driven by the memory of her father and the significance of the exhibit.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
