Statement on Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict

November 20, 2021

Biden Should Nominate a New ATF Director

Washington, D.C. -- Guns Down America Executive Director Igor Volsky released the following statement regarding todays’ verdict in the trial of white supremacist Kyle Rittenhouse.

“Today’s verdict highlights the deadly consequences of the “shoot first, ask questions second” mentality advanced by the National Rifle Association and will only invite greater political violence at the hands of individuals who believe their guns transform them into untouchable super citizens. Since we now live in a country where a white person like Kyle Rittenhouse is legally able to cross state lines armed with an assault weapon during a racial justice protest, take the lives of two people, gravely injure a third, and successfully paint himself as the victim, we must recommit ourselves to redefining public safety and keeping guns out of our political system.

“That is why we are calling on the Biden administration to immediately conduct a federal review of laws across the country that empower and protect armed vigilantes and work with state partners to overturn them. The administration must also nominate another director to head up the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and task that individual with leading a federal response to interstate gun threats and working with ATF field offices, local law enforcement, and the community to prevent threats from armed extremists.”