Thomas Chittum
Thomas Chittum is a former associate deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and a prominent expert on gun laws and mental health issues related to firearm ownership. He has been vocal about the challenges in sharing mental health data with federal authorities and the implications this has on background checks for gun purchases, especially regarding individuals with a history of mental health challenges.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
According to Thomas Chittum, former associate deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the two incidents were 'critical touchpoints' where the red flag law could have been triggered.
Shane Devon Tamura: A new law that could have led to the Manhattan shooter’s guns being confiscated went into effect a month before the rampage
United States· 2025-08-11
Thomas Chittum, former associate deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, discussed the implications of psychiatric holds on firearm possession.
Shane Tamura: Newly released body cam footage and 911 calls reveal Manhattan gunman’s history of police run ins and mental health issuesUnited States· 2025-08-06
The case underscores the wide gap in sharing mental health data with the federal government – an issue that can be attributed to inadequate funding to manage or require the data, as well as privacy issues, according to Thomas Chittum, former associate deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
NYC shooter Shane Tamura had a previous arrest and 2 psychiatric holds, source say. How was he able to own a gun?United States· 2025-08-02
