Rep. Brown Statement on Steve Dettelbach ATF Director Confirmation
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Shontel M. Brown (OH-11) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Steve Dettelbach as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF):
“Steve Dettelbach’s confirmation as ATF Director is reassurance that the Biden Administration and members of Congress are committed to designating leadership that will have the fortitude to unbiasedly serve and protect our nation, “said Rep. Brown. “Dettelbach fought faithfully for Ohioans to combat extremists, avert hate crimes in our communities, and protect religious freedoms. He is dedicated to responsible gun-ownership and safer communities, and I am certain that he will continue to hold himself as a leader who will uphold the law justly and free from political interference.”
Senate Sherrod Brown (D-OH), who spoke in support of Dettelbach’s confirmation before the Senate, released the following statement:
“There is no better person for the role than Steve Dettelbach – a son of Ohio, a career public servant, with the experience and the record to combat violent crime and keep Americans safe,” said Brown on the Senate Floor before the vote. “I can think of no better way to support law enforcement, to reject hate, and to keep Americans safe from violent crime, than for the Senate to confirm Steve Dettelbach as ATF Director.”
The Cleveland native previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Dettelbach has a clear record of fighting for public safety and prosecuting cases against violent offenders including an Indiana man who attempted to burn down the largest mosque in Northwest Ohio, and a convicted arsonist who set fire to the predominantly Black First Azusa Apostolic Faith Church.
This marks the first time since 2015 the Bureau will be headed by a Senate confirmed director.
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