The head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Director Steve Dettelbach, spoke out about the alarming increase in mass shootings and gun violence incidents across the United States. Following a meeting with family members of the 18 individuals who lost their lives in October at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine, Dettelbach emphasized the importance of not becoming desensitized to such senseless tragedies.

During the meeting at Central Maine Community College, Dettelbach engaged with survivors and relatives of the victims, including members of Maine's deaf and hard of hearing community who lost four individuals in the shooting. Concerns were raised about missed warning signs and how the shooter, Robert Card, was able to obtain the weapon used in the attack.

Dettelbach urged the community to use their voices as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for improved communication and intervention measures to prevent such incidents. He acknowledged the power of community voices in driving meaningful action against gun violence.

The ATF director highlighted the necessity of making it more difficult for individuals who pose a threat to society to access firearms easily. Dettelbach has been a vocal supporter of universal background checks and banning assault weapons to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country.

The Lewiston shooting serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for collective action and proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. Dettelbach's engagement with impacted communities underscores the significance of listening to those affected by gun violence and working towards lasting solutions to combat this pressing issue.