WATCH: Attorney General Merrick Garland makes remarks at the ATF bureau

Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered remarks Thursday at the Chiefs of Police Executive Forum at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives headquarters.

Watch Garland’s remarks in the player above.

Garland emphasized the need for unity between federal and state law enforcement in the fight against violent crime.

“You in this room are our indispensable partners in everything we do to keep our communities safe,” he said. “That partnership is this country’s most powerful tool – and our best hope – to protect our communities.”

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During the speech, Garland discussed Project Safe Neighborhoods, an effort between federal, state and local law enforcement to curb violent crime. As part of the effort, he announced that the U.S. Attorney’s office is requesting over $8 billion in grants to develop strategies against gun violence.

“All of us – across the entire Justice Department – are committed to using every tool to give you the support that you need to do your jobs safely and effectively,” he said.