Preventing terrorism and violent crime with a lot of natural light

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives dedicated their new national headquarters today. The new building is located in the area north of Massachusetts Avenue, and the facility is hoping to support the revitalization and growth of the emerging downtown area.

The building itself is much to be admired at 422,000 square feet, it was designed by Moshe Safdie and consists of three inter-connected wings in a reverse L shape and has long corridors and atriums to allow for lots of natural lighting. The new building has lots of office space, housing nearly all ATF employees, training rooms, an auditorium seating 3,000, underground parking and auxiliary services. The building “serves as an anchor for the redevelopment of a historic” neighborhood.

The ATF is active in its regulation of firearms and explosives, as well as the apprehension of armed violent criminals, bombers and arsonists. “When we see ATF on the job we know the crime will be solved,” said Congresswoman Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.). Norton stressed the importance of the ATF in a post 9/11 world and said that they have never been more important and hopes the new building will help.

“This state of the art building and space will inspire the men and women of the ATF as they carry out their mission to reduce violent crime and protect the nation,” said Michael Sullivan, action director of the ATF.