ATF, Wichita State University Mark Ribbon Cutting for New ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory

WICHITA, Kan. - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in partnership with Wichita State University and its Midwest Criminal Justice Institute, today marked the ribbon cutting of the ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory on Wichita State University's Innovation Campus.

The laboratory expands ATF's national forensic capacity by increasing access to specialized, high-throughput services focused on firearms-related evidence, enabling the efficient processing of crime gun evidence at scale. This newest facility expects to be fully operational in the coming years.

"The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump's promise to make America safe," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "This laboratory strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise by helping law enforcement agencies nationwide move faster from evidence to action with advanced forensic capabilities for those who investigate violent crime. The American people are safer when law enforcement, science, education, and public leadership work together with focus and purpose."

ATF currently operates full-service forensic laboratories in Ammendale, Maryland, and Atlanta. The addition of the Wichita laboratory strengthens that network with a focused mission to support the examination of crime gun evidence and deliver faster results to investigators nationwide.

Located alongside ATF's Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network National Correlation and Training Center, the laboratory reinforces a national hub for crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and training.

"This laboratory is a force multiplier for law enforcement," said ATF Director Robert Cekada. "It brings together DNA, casing acquisitions into NIBIN, firearm examinations, serial number restoration, latent fingerprints, and intelligence support in one place, allowing us to move faster and provide investigators with the leads they need. Every hour matters in a violent crime investigation, and this facility helps close that gap and strengthens our ability to go after those who use firearms to harm our communities."

In addition to its operational role, the laboratory will serve as a training environment for the next generation of forensic professionals. In partnership with Wichita State University, students will have the opportunity to train alongside practitioners in a real-world setting, creating a direct pathway from education to employment in forensic science.

"Wichita State University is proud to partner with ATF in building a program that connects education directly to real-world impact," says Wichita State President Richard Muma. "Through our forensic science programs and applied learning opportunities, we're feeding the talent pipeline so the next generation of professionals can literally step out of the classroom and step into critical roles that support public safety and strengthen communities nationwide."

The facility will also support a second iteration of the National Firearms Examiner Academy, a national training program that provides a standardized curriculum for forensic firearm and toolmark examination. The program strengthens this critical discipline by training entry-level firearms examiners from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

"This partnership is a testament to Wichita's leadership in advancing forensic science and supporting the work of federal, state and local law enforcement," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. "The collaboration between ATF and WSU will strengthen research, innovation and public safety efforts in Kansas and across the country. This laboratory will also provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience alongside law enforcement professionals."

The partnership between ATF and Wichita State University reflects a shared commitment to advancing forensic science, strengthening public safety, and building a skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.

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 ATF at www.atf.gov .