FBI and ATF Day
Take your knowledge of the inner workings of the FBI and the ATF to the next level.
Join us for an intensive day of learning from Special Agents from the FBI and the ATF, who will share information in their areas of expertise. This insider’s view will allow you to write authentic portrayals of these two agencies in your novels. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes.
This event will take place on Monday, June 16, 2025, in-person in New York at the New York Hilton Midtown, from 8am until 5pm.
Click here to open and download the schedule as a PDF.
ATF AND FBI DAY AGENDA
Monday, June 16, 2025
ATF at ThrillerFest 2025:
Inside Federal Law Enforcement
8:00 – 8:05 Welcome & Introduction
8:05 – 8:25 ATF 101: Who We are and What We Do
Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the frontlines investigating firearms trafficking, criminal use of firearms and explosives, and arson. In the process, they are targeting some of the most violent offenders in this country. The Assistant Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s New York Field Division, Bryan DiGirolamo, will provide background on its mission, its people, the laws it enforces, and the tools brought to bear in the fight against violent crime.
8:25 – 8:45 Crime Gun Intelligence: From Trigger Pull to Tracing
Tracing tells us how a gun was born, identification tells us who the gun is, and National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) tells us how the gun lived. Neil Troppman, Supervisory Firearms Program Specialist, will provide a brief overview of different types of firearms and explain how old-school paper searches, firearm markings and cutting-edge technology come together to provide important investigative
leads that identify firearms sources and link shootings to criminals and their associates.
8:45 – 9:05 Ghost Guns, Conversion Devices & Undercover Investigations
Privately made firearms or “ghost guns” are one of the biggest challenges facing ATF today. Hear from an ATF special agent as to how he cracked the case of the illegal sale of drugs, ghost guns, machine guns and a silencer in Northern New York. Read about this sentencing here.
9:05 – 9:30 K-9s in Action: Firearms, Accelerant & Explosives Detection K-9s
ATF often works with our partners at the U.S. Marshals to secure some of the biggest events in the country, including the Super Bowl and the Inauguration. They may be cute and furry, but these dogs are all business when it comes to finding explosives. They are some of the best-trained dogs in the world and you will get to see K-9 Grover showcase his skills.
9:30 – 4:00 FBI
4:00 – 4:30 Armed Robbery, Tactical Medics & High-Risk Operations
In 2018, a pre-dawn robbery rampage tore across Queens: four stores hit in two hours, leaving one clerk shot in the head and left for dead. Hear from an ATF agent, who also serves as a medic for ATF’s Special Responses Team, about how they were able to piece the case together, using grainy surveillance footage, license plate reader hits, and firearms trace data to stop the robbers in their tracks. Read about this sentencing here.
4:30 – 5:00 Destructive Devices, Explosives & Arson
A New York landlord, using an accomplice, set fire to properties he wanted to develop, while the occupants were sleeping, resulting in extensive damage and the loss of pets and property. Hear from an ATF Special Agent who helped solve the case and learn about ATF’s Arson and Explosives mission. Read about this sentencing here.