Project Guardian

Project Guardian is a national Department of Justice initiative announced in November 2019 designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. In the Northern District of Georgia, Project Guardian-related work includes the prosecution of violent repeat offenders in possession of firearms, including those with a history of domestic violence; the prosecution of domestic/international firearms trafficking violations; and education and outreach surrounding federal firearms laws.

October 14, 2020 Domestic Violence & Firearms Community Forum

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to leveraging applicable federal laws to protect victims of domestic violence and to hold offenders accountable, especially when their conduct is beyond the reach of state law. Our office is also committed to serving as a resource to promote better understanding of these laws and to collaborating with community members, law enforcement, and prosecuting authorities to find ways to maximize the utility of these laws and make our communities safer.

When: Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/86033739122?pwd=RURLVitzVUZJWHdHVG14aGk4YVE1Zz09
Domestic Violence Forum Flyer
Participant Bios and Photos

Resources and News Related to Domestic Violence and Firearms

Did you know?

It is a felony under federal law, punishable by up to 10-years of imprisonment, to possess a firearm following a conviction for a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.” See Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(9).
- ATF Guide for 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
- Commonly asked questions regarding “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” firearms prohibition, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
It is a felony under federal law, punishable by up to 10-years of imprisonment, to possess a firearm while subject to a qualifying domestic violence restraining or protection order. See Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(8).
- ATF Guide for 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) Protection Orders

U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak is one of nine U.S. Attorneys from around the country named to a national Department of Justice working group focusing on more robust prosecution of domestic violence offenders using federal firearms laws.

Domestic Violence Statistics in Georgia, including Firearm-Related Statistics:

Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) - GCFV works with communities and systems across the state to provide leadership in strengthening Georgia's families by ending family violence.
- 2020 Domestic Violence in Georgia Fact Sheet

DeKalb County’s Innovative Firearm Surrender Program: Leveraging Federal Firearms Laws to Save Lives
Learn about DeKalb County’s nationally-recognized firearm surrender program for defendants convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.

Resources and best practices for law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates and courts navigating the intersection of domestic violence and firearms:

If you or someone you know is being abused, there are community and statewide resources available to you. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline for a confidential place to get help and find resources. 1-800-33-HAVEN/1-800-334-2836

Additional resources for victims of domestic violence in Georgia are also available online:
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Get Help https://gcadv.org/get-help/

Resources and News Related to Firearms Trafficking and "Straw Purchasing"

Did you know?

It is a felony, punishable by up to 10-years of imprisonment, to purchase a firearm for another person, knowing that person cannot lawfully possess a firearm, or to transfer a firearm to another person, knowing the person cannot lawfully possess a firearm. See e.g. Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(d).
- Don’t Lie for the Other Guy: A joint initiative of the ATF and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) aimed at raising awareness of and deterring the illegal purchase of a firearm by one person for another, known as “straw purchasing.”