Ohio Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Introduction of Bipartisan Red Flag Legislation

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the introduction of SB 184, bipartisan Red Flag legislation that would permit immediate family members and law enforcement officers to petition a court for an order temporarily removing guns from people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. If a court found evidence that a person posed a significant danger of injuring themselves or others with a firearm, that person would be temporarily prohibited from purchasing and possessing guns, and any guns they already owned would be held by law enforcement for the duration of the order.

“This is a common-sense proposal that will help keep Ohioans safe,” said Kristine Woodworth, volunteer chapter leader of the Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “It’s heartening to see lawmakers from across the political spectrum come together and act in the face of such a tragic act of gun violence in our state. As Governor DeWine works out the details of his gun violence prevention proposals, I hope he will look to this strong Red Flag bill as a model for how we can make Ohio safer.” 

In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Dayton, reports emerged that the shooter’s behavior raised concerns among people who knew him. This reporting underscores the case for Red Flag or Extreme Risk legislation.

Twelve states have enacted Red Flag laws since last year’s mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, and five of these new laws have been signed by Republican governors. In addition to the District of Columbia, 17 states have now enacted Red Flag laws, including Colorado, Nevada, Indiana, and Florida.

Red Flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk laws, permit immediate family members and law enforcement officers to petition a court for an order, often known as an extreme risk protection order, temporarily removing guns from dangerous situations. If a court finds that a person poses a serious risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm, that person is temporarily prohibited from purchasing and possessing guns, and any guns they already own are held by law enforcement or another authorized party while the order is in effect. You can read more about Red Flag laws here. 

Perpetrators of mass shootings and school shootings often display warning signs before committing violent acts. Interventions in states with Red Flag laws have already prevented these potential tragedies. Research has also documented the impact Red Flag laws can have in preventing suicides.