Michigan has now joined 20 other states in enacting red flag gun laws. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bills Monday that would allow the courts to remove firearms from those believed to be a danger to themselves or others. That means a court can issue an extreme risk protection order after someone reports a concern about the gun owner to law enforcement. Surrounded by gun violence survivors, prevention advocates, and others, Whitmer offered these words before signing the bills into law.
“These red flag laws create a preventative tool, a stopgap for loved ones, judges, and law enforcement,” Whitmer said.
Judges can consider mental illness, criminal history, or the use of drugs or alcohol to hold the weapons if a threat is proven. After a period of time, gun owners are given an opportunity to show the courts they are not a threat and potentially get their weapons back.
