How do red flag laws seek to prevent gun violence and suicide?

Red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), are designed to prevent gun violence and suicide by temporarily restricting firearm access for individuals who demonstrate a credible danger to themselves or others.12

These laws function through a legal process that prioritizes public safety:

• Petitioning: A family member, household member, or law enforcement officer may petition a court if they have evidence that an individual poses a grave risk.123
• Judicial Review: Upon reviewing the petition, a judge can issue an order that mandates the temporary seizure of firearms and ammunition from the individual.12
• Restricted Access: The order remains in effect until the individual is no longer deemed a danger, ensuring that those in crisis cannot access weapons during periods of high risk.12

By providing a mechanism for rapid due process, these laws aim to intervene before a potential tragedy occurs, upholding the ethical principle that society has a fundamental responsibility to protect lives from preventable harm.3