Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Meeting with New ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach

"Today, I spoke with new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Steven M. Dettelbach following his Senate confirmation earlier this week. I am glad that we are getting a seasoned partner with Director Dettelbach's immense depth and breadth of experience in fighting the gun violence epidemic. I shared the significant and encouraging progress we've made since forming the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, which I convened in January to streamline data sharing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government and with our neighboring states. New York State Police has since seized more than twice as many guns when compared to the same period last year — proof that these strategies do work. I am confident that with strong federal leadership from Director Dettelbach, we can continue to expand these crucial efforts to stem the flow of firearms that are endangering our communities and needlessly taking lives."