James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer announced on Apr. 30 that he is continuing an investigation into possible coordination between the Biden Administration and the group Everytown for Gun Safety in relation to lawsuits against firearm manufacturers.
The inquiry seeks to determine whether government officials worked with advocacy groups to influence litigation targeting gun makers, which could have implications for civil liberties related to the Second Amendment.
In a letter sent to Acting Archivist of the United States Edward Forst, Comer requested records from the National Archives and Records Administration regarding communications between the Biden Administration and Everytown. "On December 20, 2023, the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (WHOGVP) met privately with representatives from Glock, during which the Biden Administration requested that Glock change their pistol designs. Three months later, on March 19, 2024, the City of Chicago filed suit in state court against Glock with Everytown Law, the litigation arm of Everytown, listed as counsel for the plaintiff. The day the suit was filed, John Feinblatt, President of Everytown, posted on his X account, '[f]ederal Officials recently contacted Glock to discuss implementing new was to modify Glock pistols…Rather than help, Glock falsely insisted there is nothing they can do.' Mr. Feinblatt appears to have had insider information regarding the WHOGVP’s private meeting with Glock, which raises questions about whether the Biden Administration colluded with Everytown to initiate their lawsuit against Glock,” wrote Chairman Comer.
The House Oversight Committee previously issued subpoenas on October 3, 2024 to both WHOGVP and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after requests for documents went unanswered following letters sent June 14 concerning meetings between White House officials and representatives from Glock. The committee has now asked NARA for all relevant documents covering January 21, 2021 through January 19, 2025.
Comer also pointed out connections between former government officials and Everytown: “The Committee is also aware that certain members of the Biden Administration have had a personal connection to Everytown. For example, Rob Wilcox...worked at Everytown for nearly eight years prior... Additionally...Marianna Mitchem was hired by Everytown...immediately following her role as Associate Assistant Director for [ATF],” concluded Chairman Comer.
Broader implications may arise if evidence shows improper collaboration between federal agencies and advocacy groups in legal actions affecting gun manufacturers.
