ATF launches anti-straw purchase campaign in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives together with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has launched a major public awareness campaign to eliminate illegal gun purchases in Indianapolis, IN.
The “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” campaign focuses on straw purchasers—individuals who purchase a firearm on behalf of another person who is not able to legally purchase one for themselves. Straw purchases are felonies that can result in up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the buyer.
Today, the Indianapolis campaign launched with a press conference led by ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo, NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi, and U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Wheeler II, Indiana State Police Deputy Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Robert Priest, Chief Public Information Officer Captain Ronald Galaviz, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Tanya Terry, and representatives from Lawrence Police Department and Carmel Police Department.
To purchase a firearm, an individual must complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Those who know they cannot pass a background check or do not want their names associated with a firearm purchase oftentimes recruit a friend or acquaintance to make the purchase for them. These individuals are straw purchasers and are committing a felony. Those engaged in gun trafficking often recruit multiple straw purchasers to assist them in acquiring firearms that then can end up in the hands of criminals, gangs and drug cartels, fueling violent crime.
At today’s press conference, SAC Rosendo stated, “By preventing straw purchases, we are helping create safer streets, safer communities, and a safer nation for everyone. Together, we must continue sending a unified message: purchasing a firearm for a prohibited person is not a favor—it is a federal crime with life-altering consequences."
The campaign is promoted through multiple media channels including billboards, digital out-of-home (DOOH) screens, desktop, mobile and tablet devices, and programmatic audio in geotargeted areas throughout the metropolitan Indianapolis area, and will deliver over 5.12 million media impressions.
The campaign will run through September as a reminder to residents of Indianapolis of the consequences associated with straw purchasing and its impact on their community.
Anyone who has information about straw purchasers should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or go to www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted by using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.
ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
