ST. PAUL — The new head of a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives division covering four states in the Upper Midwest is taking a targeted approach to fighting gun violence.

Scott Sweetow has been special agent in charge of the ATF’s St. Paul Field Division for about a month. The division covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Sweetow told The Associated Press that agents throughout the region will focus on going after the most violent people. When it comes to the debate over gun control, Sweetow didn’t weigh in on any proposal. He says the ATF has a job to do no matter what legislation is passed.

Sweetow replaced Bernard J. Zapor, who oversees special operations and is deputy assistant director of the 18-state central region.