This nomination is the first step in Biden’s moves against gun violence.

In a recent statement, President Joe Biden announced several new initiatives from the White House to help combat the growing epidemic of gun violence in the United States. The first order of business is to enact new regulations against stabilizing braces and “ghost guns,” firearms that can be assembled on one’s own and have no tracible serial number. To help execute these initiatives, Biden has nominated a new head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or “ATF” for short: David Chipman.

Chipman is a 25-year veteran of the ATF, having worked as a special agent. Currently, he is a senior policy advisor with Giffords, a gun control advocacy organization founded by former Representative Gabrielle Giffords after she was wounded in a mass shooting incident in 2011.

“David has spent his career serving the public, combating violent crime, and striving to make our nation and our communities safer,” Giffords said in a statement after Chipman’s nomination was announced. “As a responsible gun owner, decorated law enforcement professional, and gun safety expert, David is the perfect choice for ATF director.”

In addition to his aforementioned posts, Chipman’s accomplishments include breaking up a firearms trafficking conspiracy between southern states and New York, and a stint in the ATF’s own SWAT Team. Chipman has stated that he is a firm believer that citizens can safely own guns for self-defense and sport, but it’s also possible for common sense laws to cut down on gun violence.

“Our nation’s current gun violence crisis has made two things very clear: one, it is far too easy for violent people to get their hands on violent weapons,” Chipman said during a hearing in 2019. “Two, the American people overwhelmingly want Congress to act now to make their communities safer.”