Attorney General Merrick B. Garland swears in ATF Director Steve Dettelbach

“Every day, ATF’s agents, investigators, and professional staff work tirelessly to protect our communities from violent crime and the devastation caused by gun violence. They provide support, training, and expertise to law enforcement agencies nationwide, conduct life-saving research and analysis, work to ensure that our regulations keep pace with the ever-changing technology of firearms, and disrupt illegal gun trafficking networks,”

-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

“Today, for the second time in history, the United States Senate has voted to give ATF long-overdue Senate-confirmed leadership. As a career prosecutor and the former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steve understands the importance and urgency of ATF’s mission, and I am confident he will lead ATF with integrity, dedication, and skill.”

-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Steve Dettelbach, accompanied by his wife, is cermonially sworn in as the new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at ATF headquarters.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland hands over the ATF flag to its new Director Steve Dettelbach.

The official swearing in was held at the main Justice Department headquarters, where the Attorney General conducted the oath of office for the new ATF Director. Dettelbach’s wife held the bible on which the oath was taken.