\nJustice Department spokesman Chad Gilmartin said that the decision to remove the portraits was not political and that officials are considering different ways to honor victims.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe ATF will continue to honor the memory of all victims of violent crime while at the same time preserving the rights of law-abiding Americans,\u201d Gilmartin said, referring to the Second Amendment right to bear arms.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFormer ATF director Steven Dettelbach \u2014 who was appointed by President Joe Biden \u2014 created the memorial at the agency\u2019s Northeast Washington headquarters last April to remind employees of the human toll of gun violence. The display includes photos of police officers killed by gunfire, children slain in mass school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, and Parkland, Florida, and other victims.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nA nearby kiosk told the stories of each, and many of the victims\u2019 families would visit the memorial.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe \u2018Faces of Gun Violence\u2019 exhibit is a permanent reminder of what ATF comes to work to do every day \u2014 a reminder of why agents risk their lives and why everyone at ATF dedicates their careers to this mission: to honor the fallen and protect the living,\u201d Dettelbech said at a ceremony unveiling the memorial last year. \u201cThis exhibit both honors and tells the stories of the victims of firearms violence. And it reminds us to keep front and center the lives, the stories, and the courage of those who have been impacted by firearms violence.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe White House wants to slash the agency\u2019s approximately $1.5 billion annual budget by about a third, or nearly $500 million, according to budget documents released Friday. The proposal appears to cut much of the regulatory arm of ATF while saying it would leave resources for gun tracing and investigating gun traffickers. But more modest cuts in the past have forced cuts to ATF law enforcement, and if the agency loses a third of its budget, it would probably lead to law enforcement reductions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nOne gun control advocate whose deceased father was featured in the memorial criticized the move, saying, \u201cThe ATF used to be an agency dedicated to fighting for people. Now, it\u2019s crystal clear that its mandate has become fighting on behalf of gun industry profits.\u201d<\/p>\n