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Head of new gun violence unit in Massachusetts plans to go after 'bad actors' in firearms industry

Christine Doktor, the director of the new Gun Violence Prevention Unit in Massachusetts.
Submitted Photo/Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell
Christine Doktor, the director of the new Gun Violence Prevention Unit in Massachusetts.

The head of a new gun violence prevention unit in Massachusetts said a priority will be to hold "bad actors" in the firearms industry accountable.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell created the unit and has appointed attorney Christine Doktor to lead it.

Doktor said she plans to use civil and criminal litigation to prevent gun violence, including going after manufacturers.

"That's addressing misleading marketing practices, product defects, as well as prosecuting illegal trafficking that enable bad actors in the gun industry," she said.

Doktor grew up in Berkshire County and now lives in Hampshire County.

As for whether deterring gun violence in Springfield, where her office will be based, will be particular focus for her, she answered, "deterring gun violence across the entire state will be a top priority and a top focus."

She said she and her colleagues are looking forward to conversations with responsible gun owners, law enforcement, survivors, and advocacy organizations. Doktor says they will inform the unit's work.

Before joining New England Public Media, Alden was a producer for the CBS NEWS program 60 Minutes. In that role, he covered topics ranging from art, music and medicine to business, education and politics.
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