Everytown Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on David Chipman’s Nomination To Be ATF Director

Law Enforcement Groups Endorse David Chipman’s Nomination to be ATF Director with Letters of Support to Committee and Senate Leadership

Chipman Confirmation Hearing Occurred on Same Day as Deadly Mass Shooting in San Jose — the 15th Mass Shooting in the U.S. in 2021

WASHINGTON –– Today, Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statements after today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of David Chipman to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

Earlier today, numerous law enforcement groups, including the Police Executive Research Forum and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, endorsed David Chipman’s nomination to be ATF Director, sending letters to Senate and Committee leadership outlining his qualifications, commitment, and integrity. They join 17 State Attorneys General, mayors from across the country, as well as gun violence prevention organizations and survivors of gun violence, creating a broad base of support for Chipman’s confirmation.

“In the face of baseless attacks and conspiracy theories, David once again proved that he would be the most experienced and qualified ATF Director we’ve ever seen,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “The Senate should confirm David based on his 25 years of experience at ATF, his strong support among law enforcement, and his commitment to stopping gun trafficking, which he has proven over decades of work.”

“The fact that David Chipman’s nomination hearing was occurring just as we’re learning about the mass shooting in San Jose shows how critical it is that we act on gun safety,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “It has never been more urgent for the ATF to have a permanent leader, and the Senate should move quickly to confirm David Chipman. He’s dedicated his entire career serving the public, combating violent crime, and working to make our communities safer, and is the right person to lead the ATF at a time of rising gun injuries and deaths.”

In April, President Joe Biden nominated David Chipman to be Director of the ATF, which hasn’t had a permanent director since 2015. Chipman is a father, public servant, gun owner, decorated law enforcement professional, and gun safety expert. He is uniquely qualified to lead ATF and work from day one to identify and address the gun trafficking channels that flood our communities with illegal guns. Chipman is a 25-year veteran at ATF, where he focused on enforcing firearms and explosives laws, including investigating acts of arson, bombings, and terrorism, and combating the illegal trafficking of guns, alcohol, and tobacco products. Since leaving ATF, Chipman has served as an expert advising organizations on the front lines of gun violence prevention in the United States. 

Ahead of today’s hearing, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Giffords, with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and and Community Justice Action Fund, released an ad featuring retired ATF special agents and community leaders in support of Chipman. Watch a full-length version of the video HERE and the :60 version HERE, which is airing through Thursday, May 27 on TV and digital platforms in the Washington, DC media market.