Chicago, IL – In a bold move to tackle gun violence, the U.S. government has launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms from source cities, including Wisconsin, into major market regions.
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city, and many originate from the Eastern District of Wisconsin, among other locations. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined the U.S. Department of Justice in announcing the launch of the strike forces on July 22, 2021. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into key market regions.
The strike forces will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction, as well as with law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
"All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors."
The strike forces represent one important step in implementing the Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime-and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts.
Data reveals shocking truth: Wisconsin guns fuel Chicago crimes
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city, and many originate from the Eastern District of Wisconsin, among other locations. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.
Key statistics:
- A significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city, and many originate from the Eastern District of Wisconsin, among other locations.
- The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.
Grimy Times Investigation:
Grimy Times has obtained exclusive data revealing the shocking truth about Wisconsin guns fueling Chicago crimes. Our investigation reveals that a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city, and many originate from the Eastern District of Wisconsin, among other locations.
Sources:
- The U.S. Department of Justice
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- The Chicago Police Department
- Gun trace data
Related Stories:
- "Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic"
- "Wisconsin’s Role in Fueling Chicago’s Gun Violence"
- "The Fight Against Gun Trafficking"
Tags: [t1: Firearms Trafficking], [t2: Gun Violence], [t3: Chicago]
Category: Violent Crime
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Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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