The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has recently dismantled an exhibit dedicated to the victims of gun violence at its headquarters, as confirmed by the Department of Justice. This poignant display featured portraits of 120 individuals who lost their lives to gun violence, alongside a digital kiosk offering biographies of each victim. In a move that has raised concerns, the online version of the exhibit has also been taken down.
The ATF plays a crucial role in enforcing federal gun laws and regulating the firearms industry within the Department of Justice. Among the portraits removed was that of Robert Godwin Sr., who was tragically shot in Cleveland in 2017 while collecting aluminum cans. Godwin's portrait depicted him smiling and preparing a family meal from freshly caught fish. His daughter, Brenda Joiner, described her father as a humble and beloved avid fisherman, noting that his representation in the inaugural exhibit was significant. "It was absolutely an honor and a very proud moment," she expressed to NPR, emphasizing the exhibit's role in recognizing the lives lost to gun violence.
In a statement to NPR, a spokesperson from the Department of Justice mentioned that the ATF would continue to honor victims of violent crime, not limited to gun violence. The Faces of Gun Violence exhibit had aimed to honor victims of various forms of gun violence, including mass shootings, school shootings, domestic violence incidents, and suicides. The exhibit also featured portraits of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The initial removal of the exhibit was first reported by The Washington Post.
Originally dedicated in April 2024, the exhibit was part of an initiative by the Biden administration to annually honor a new group of 200 victims. Former ATF Director Steven Dettelbach described the exhibit as a "permanent reminder" of the agency's mission to honor those lost to violence and protect the living. According to Kris Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, new honorees were already selected for the next installment of the exhibit, with families eagerly anticipating the inclusion of their loved ones.
Brown expressed her deep concern over the unceremonious removal of the exhibit, particularly for families already traumatized by gun violence. She characterized the DOJ's decision as politically motivated, reflecting a broader trend of rolling back firearms regulations akin to practices during the Trump administration. "What they want to do is deny the reality that gun violence exists," she asserted, warning of a potential rise in gun violence, homicides, and suicide rates as a consequence.
Among the victims remembered in the exhibit was Jaime Guttenberg, who was tragically killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Her father, Fred Guttenberg, lamented the removal of her photo, stating, "We are here saddened by the reality that her photo has been removed and sits in an ATF trash can." He criticized the current administration for its apparent disregard for victims of gun violence.
Brenda Joiner, who joined the Brady organization following her father's death, has committed herself to fighting against gun violence. "I can't bring my dad back, but I darn well can do some good fighting for other people," she stated, highlighting the importance of the exhibit in honoring victims and advocating for change.
