Hoyer Tours Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives National Laboratory Center

BELTSVILLE, MD –Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) visited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Laboratory Center. During his visit, he met with the Deputy Director of ATF, Thomas Brandon; Assistant Director for Public & Government Affairs of ATF, James Burch, II; and Assistant Director for Science and Technology of ATF, Richard Holgate. Congressman Hoyer toured the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory and the Fire Research Laboratory, where staff utilized its "burn room" for a research demonstration.

"The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has an extensive history of serving communities across the country and I was proud to help secure funding to construct their impressive National Laboratory Center here in Beltsville," said Congressman Hoyer. "From DNA testing to fire research, training, and education, the Center provides of a wide range of support services to federal agencies, as well as state and local law enforcement and fire departments, to reduce violent crime and keep the public safe. I thank Deputy Director Brandon, Assistant Directors Burch and Holgate, and the Center's employees for allowing me to visit today and see firsthand the critical work they are performing. I look forward to continuing to work together to support their mission."

"We are very pleased that Congressman Hoyer could visit ATF's laboratory center that houses ATF forensic and fire research laboratories," said ATF Deputy Director Brandon. "The ATF fire research laboratory is the world's largest laboratory dedicated to fire scene investigations.  From this laboratory and other ATF facilities, our agents and personnel provide sound scientific data to federal, state and local partners to aid them in crucial investigations."

In the Forensic Science Laboratory, approximately 50 employees work to process forensic cases, provide expert testimony in courts, work at crime sciences, and provide training to federal, state, and local investigators and examiners. The Fire Research Laboratory is the world's largest research lab dedicated to fire scene investigations. The facility includes a 16,900 square foot "burn room" that can accommodate items as large as a three-story structure.  In the room, ATF demonstrated a research burn of a typical living room. For more information on ATF laboratory services, please click here.