LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after Governor Rick Snyder released a school safety package that does not include Red Flag legislation similar to bills enacted in Florida and Vermont after the Parkland shooting, despite public comments in recent weeks indicating support for such a policy.
A Red Flag law would empower family members and law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order, a court order temporarily restricting a person’s access to guns when they pose a risk to self or others. Red Flag laws allow people to act on warning signs and stop tragedies before they happen.
In addition to helping prevent mass shootings, Red Flag laws can also help prevent gun suicides: A 2017 study of Connecticut’s Red Flag law found that the law has already averted an estimated 72 suicide. In Michigan, one resident dies by firearm suicide every 13 hours.
More information about Red Flag laws is available here.
STATEMENT FROM EMILY DURBIN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“This was a missed opportunity by Governor Snyder. Florida and Vermont enacted Red Flag laws in recent weeks to help keep guns out of the hands of people who have displayed clear warning signs, like the Parkland shooter did, and Governor Snyder should be working with Michigan lawmakers to protect all of us by enacting one, too.
It’s been encouraging to see our elected officials talking about protecting our young people in the wake of the Parkland tragedy, but truly addressing gun violence requires taking steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose risks. Red Flag laws are a common-sense way to improve public safety in Michigan, and it’s truly disappointing that Governor Snyder chose not to call for one in today’s school safety package.”
