Sen. Moran Hosts ATF Director Cekada in Wichita for Grand Opening of ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Lab

Acting U.S. Attorney General Blanche delivered remarks virtually

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science - today hosted Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada in Wichita for the grand opening of the ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory at Wichita State University (WSU). Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche also provided remarks virtually.

"The partnership between ATF and WSU is a testament to Wichita's leadership in advancing forensic science and bolstering the work of federal, state and local law enforcement, while giving students opportunities to gain real-world experience," said Sen. Moran. "Because of these efforts, it will not be very long before a law enforcement official across the country will be taking a fingerprint or ballistic evidence and will say, 'send it to Kansas; send it to Wichita - that's where they have the capabilities to help us solve this crime.'"

Full video of the grand opening ceremony can be found here.

Items to note:

• Located alongside ATF's Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network National Correlation and Training Center at WSU's Innovation Campus, the laboratory will help to support crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis and training.

• ATF estimates the laboratory will create 36 new jobs after the first year and around 100 positions within the next three years.

• In addition to its operational role, the laboratory will provide students, through partnership with WSU, the opportunity to train alongside law enforcement professionals in a real-world setting, creating a direct pathway from education to employment in forensic science.

Click HERE to Download Photos

WSU President Rick Muma, ATF Director Cekada and Sen. Moran

# # #