Biden DOJ to deploy gun trafficking strike forces in 5 major cities

On Thursday, the Biden administration announced new Department of Justice “strike forces” in five U.S. cities to combat gun trafficking.

During a White House press briefing, press secretary Jen Psaki said, “Today the Department of Justice is announcing, or has announced, the launch of five gun trafficking strike forces in regions around the country, to combat the uptick in gun crimes that we’ve seen over the past 18 months.”

The Associated Press reported Attorney General Merrick Garland announced gun trafficking strike forces in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Politico reported Garland is heading to his hometown of Chicago on Thursday to formally announce the strike forces.

“We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes,” Garland said in a statement to reporters on Wednesday. “These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors.”