Display dismantled at ATF headquarters for victims of gun-related casualties

Gone, but Not Forgotten: The Vanishing Exhibit of Gun Violence Victims

The exhibit showcasing victims of gun violence at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) headquarter's doors has been mysteriously taken down, leaving many in disbelief. Confirmation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) elicited mixed reactions, with uncertainties regarding the exhibit's future.

The gallery painted a compelling story with 120 portraits of individuals who tragically succumbed to gun violence, accompanied by a digital kiosk brimming with their heartfelt biographies[1][2]. The unveiling of such a poignant exhibit brought forth a powerful reminder of the gravity and impact of gun violence in the U.S.

One such portrait was of Robert Godwin Sr., fatally shot in Cleveland in 2017[1]. In the exhibit, he appeared smiling and proudly preparing freshly caught fish for his family[1]. His daughter, Brenda Joiner, eulogized her father as a humble and cherished soul with a passion for fishing. Her warm recollections made her father's inclusion in the inaugural exhibit even more poignant[1].

"To see my dad's picture on that wall was an absolute honor and a very proud moment," Brenda shared with NPR[1]. "It felt like this country was finally starting to take notice of the lives lost to gun violence."

The DOJ clarified that while the exhibit itself would no longer be displayed, it remains committed to acknowledging and remembering victims of all violent crimes[1]. However, the exhibit's original intent – shining a light on gun violence victims – leaves some concerned that other forms of remembrance may not hold the same weight[3][4].

The Faces of Gun Violence exhibit memorialized victims of mass shootings and school shootings, domestic violence, and suicide, among other tragic gun-related incidents[1]. Law enforcement officers who perished due to gun violence were also honored[1]. One noteworthy inclusion was the case of Ethan Song, a boy killed by an unsecured gun at a neighbor's home in 2018[1].

Kristin Song, Ethan's mother, fought tirelessly to pass Ethan's Law in their home state of Connecticut and other states, striving to impose firearm storage regulations to prevent future tragedies like her son's[1]. She is now working to institute federal regulations on the matter[1].

Song and others expressed dismay regarding the removal of the exhibit[1][3]. They see it as a reflection of the current administration's efforts to loosen firearms regulations[3]. Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, voiced her concerns[3].

"The removal of the exhibit can be seen as a callous disregard for individuals impacted by gun violence. For families already traumatized by loss, it's just another blow," she explained[3]. Brown believes the DOJ's decision to take down the exhibit could indicate a broader rollback of gun regulations[3].

Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime, was among the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, shared his disappointment in a statement[1].

"I worked with the ATF to honor my daughter Jaime and other victims in the creation of the Faces of Gun Violence memorial. Today, her photo sits discarded in an ATF dumpster, seemingly erased by this heartless administration," Guttenberg lamented[1].

contacted the DOJ for clarification on the exhibit's whereabouts but received no response[1]. Brenda Joiner, who joined the Brady team in pursuit of ending gun violence after her father's death, spoke of the significance of the exhibit[1].

"The exhibit was a way for me to honor my dad and the memories we shared. It gave me purpose and hope that other families wouldn't have to experience the unimaginable pain we've endured," she said[1].

NPR: Gun Violence Victims Exhibit at ATF Taken Down - What Happened? https://www.npr.org/2025/05/01/1095683938/gun-violence-victims-exhibit-at-atf-taken-down-what-happened
Washington Post: Gun Violence Memorial Removed from ATF Headquarters https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/gun-violence-memorial-removed-from-atf-headquarters/2025/05/01/935c22fc-8346-4bab-a7eb-4b17b6ebedbf_story.html
CNN: Critics Slam Removal of Gun Violence Exhibit - Is it Rolling Back Firearms Regulations? https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/01/politics/gun-violence-exhibit-atf-removed-firearms-regulations-critics-slam/index.html
The Guardian: A Silent Slaughter - The Hidden Epidemic of Gun Violence in America https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/06/gun-violence-epidemic-america
The removal of the Faces of Gun Violence exhibit, which showcased victims of gun violence, has left some individuals saddened and concerned about politics and general news regarding crime and justice.
In 2025, the exhibit at the ATF headquarter's doors, which exhibited 120 portraits of gun violence victims, including Robert Godwin Sr., was taken down, leaving a question mark about its future.
Critics argue that the decision to take down the Faces of Gun Violence exhibit could indicate a rollback of firearms regulations, calling it a callous disregard for individuals impacted by gun violence.
Kristin Song, whose son Ethan was one of the victims included in the exhibit, is now working towards institute federal regulations on firearm storage to prevent future tragedies.