As a mystery writers, I can’t just make it all up. While I don’t write police procedurals, I still need to sweat myriad details. And what better primer than attending ThrillerFest XIII ATF Workshop on July 9. The weapon I’m holding was not loaded! My note says it’s an M4 Remington rifle, a detail I’d have to recheck.
The full-day workshop was presented by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who are on the frontlines investigating firearms trafficking, criminal use of firearms and explosives, and arson. In the process, they target some of the most violent offenders in this country. Included in their presentation were firearms identification, tracing a firearm’s life story, case studies, SWAT, arson investigation, and ATF explosives detection and a K9 demonstration.