STATEMENT OF BARBARA COMSTOCK, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGARDING FEDERAL PROSECUTIONS OF FIREARMS VIOLATIONS:

"This Justice Department has made the aggressive prosecution of those who violate our nation's gun laws a priority, and the 38% increase in prosecutions demonstrates we have been very busy taking criminals who misuse guns off the streets. Last year, the Department had the largest recorded increase in prosecuting and convicting defendants for violating our nation's gun laws. It should not come as a surprise that the most frequently occurring, serious crimes are prosecuted most often. However, we have also seen increases in prosecutions of many firearms crimes over the last year, including a 100% increase in gun trafficking prosecutions, a 25% increase in obliterated serial number cases, and 8% increase in "lie and try" cases. Disregarding our record-setting work to prosecute and convict criminals who misuse firearms demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the facts about the Department's efforts to ensure safe neighborhoods across America.

"There should be no doubt: the Justice Department is working hard to enforce all federal firearms laws and lock up those who criminally misuse guns. We are also working in very close coordination with our state and local partners, who are also prosecuting gun crimes at higher rates.

"Our message is clear: gun crime means hard time. The forces of law and justice will track down and prosecute offenders, and they will face the consequences of their actions."

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