The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office has formed a new alliance with federal and city law enforcement agencies, boosting its efforts against illegal gun trafficking in Philadelphia.

Its partners included the Philadelphia Division of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Philadelphia Police and District Attorney.

Currently, Philadelphia communities are suffering due to the proliferation of gun violence.

State Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the new alliance at a recreation center in the Point Breeze section of the city on Wednesday. The leaders of his office’s key partner agencies including the ATF special agent in charge, Police Commissioner Richard Ross and District Attorney Larry Krasner were present during the event.

In his remarks, Shapiro emphasized the importance of information sharing and collaboration in law enforcement operations, particularly when targeting illegal gun trafficking.

Pennsylvania Has Been Targeting Illegal Gun Trafficking for Over a Decade

Shapiro stated that his office’s Gun Violence Task Force has been working to stop illegal gun trafficking in Philadelphia for more than a decade.

The task force has arrested 1,439 gun traffickers and seized 2,438 illegal guns. This year alone, it recovered 80 guns, made 75 arrests and opened 328 investigations.

According to Shapiro, his office and law enforcement partners have more work to do to “combat gun violence and help make communities safer.”

“Gun violence is a public health and a public safety threat," Shapiro said. "We’re working together as law enforcement partners to reduce those threat.

"Too many of our kids are being exposed to gun violence from the time they are toddlers. That trauma lives with them as they become adults, and that is a cycle we must stop."

Robinson commented, “This joint initiative is a perfect example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting and investigating violent criminals who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods."

In addition, he said, “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by all violent offenders.”