An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters

The Department of Justice has confirmed that an exhibit showcasing victims of gun violence has been removed from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) headquarters. The exhibit featured portraits of 120 individuals who lost their lives to gun violence, along with biographies accessible through a digital kiosk. Among those honored was Robert Godwin Sr., a Cleveland resident killed in 2017 while collecting aluminum cans. Brenda Joiner, Godwin’s daughter, expressed pride in her father’s inclusion in the exhibit, viewing it as a significant acknowledgment of lives impacted by gun violence.

The Justice Department stated that while the exhibit has been taken down, they intend to continue honoring victims of violent crimes, not limited to gun violence. The “Faces of Gun Violence” exhibit aimed to commemorate various victims, including those of mass shootings, school shootings, domestic violence, suicide, and law enforcement officers affected by gun violence. The decision to remove the exhibit, first reported by The Washington Post, has raised concerns among advocates like Kris Brown of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, who criticized the move as neglectful and potentially driven by political motives.

The exhibit, inaugurated in April 2024 by the Biden administration, was planned to rotate annually to feature new groups of victims. The removal of the exhibit has sparked emotional reactions from families of the victims, such as Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was among those honored. Guttenberg expressed disappointment at the removal of his daughter’s portrait, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims of gun violence.

Despite the exhibit’s removal, advocates like Brenda Joiner remain committed to the fight against gun violence. Joiner, who lost her father to gun violence, has channeled her grief into advocacy work, striving to make a positive impact and prevent future tragedies.