U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo announce Operation Red-Zone ahead of Labor Day weekend

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo announced today the launch of Operation Red-Zone in the city of Canton over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Joining the U.S. Attorney and the Canton Police Chief in the announcement were representatives from the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, Stark County Prosecutor and Stark County Sherriff’s office.

“We are here today ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend to announce the launch of Operation Red-Zone in the city of Canton,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “What this means is that if you are prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law, either because you have a prior felony conviction, a prior misdemeanor conviction, or some other disqualifying condition, then you are in the Red-Zone. If you possess a firearm this weekend while in the Red-Zone, we are going to stop you and prosecute you in federal court.”

“The Canton Police Department would like to thank the US Attorney's office for its commitment to Canton,” said Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo. “Like most other cities, we have been dealing with increased gun violence and illegal possession of firearms all summer. I am sure with the assistance of our federal law enforcement partners, during Operation Red Zone, we will be able to see significant efforts in enforcement.

“ATF is here with our law enforcement partners to encourage everyone to take a step back from the violence and enjoy a peaceful Labor Day weekend,” stated Roland Herndon, ATF’s Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “But be aware, if you choose to use firearms to commit crimes, ATF and our law enforcement partners will be there, working to hold you accountable for those acts.”

U.S. Attorney Herdman announced that the Northern District will pursue federal charges, where applicable, against individuals who are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms, or who otherwise use firearms in a violent crime or drug trafficking offense. In addition, the U.S. Attorney announced that law enforcement agents with ATF, DEA, FBI and U.S. Marshals will be out in full force over the holiday weekend.

“The people of the city of Canton deserve peace and days and nights free from anxiety and fears caused by violent criminals, said U.S. Attorney Herdman. "We will stop at nothing to ensure that people who are causing this violence are put in federal prison.”