Colorado Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Lawmakers for Introducing Red Flag Legislation That Would Create an Extreme Risk Protection Order

DENVER – The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded state lawmakers for introducing Red Flag legislation, which would let family members or law enforcement officers seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order to temporarily block a person’s access to guns if there is evidence that they pose a risk of harm to self or others. More information about this type of legislation is available here.

Since the Parkland tragedy, Florida, Vermont and Maryland have each enacted Red Flag laws with bipartisan support, and eight states now have these policies. Like many mass shooters, the 19-year-old suspected of shooting and killing 17 people and injuring 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland displayed warning signs prior to the shooting.

In addition to helping prevent mass shootings, Red Flag laws can help prevent suicide: A 2017 study of Connecticut’s Red Flag Law found that the law has already averted an estimated 72 suicides. Reducing a suicidal person’s access to firearms can save their life.

STATEMENT FROM ALI VAN SKOIK, VOLUNTEER WITH THE COLORADO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Family members and law enforcement officers are often the first people to notice warning signs of violent behavior, and this legislation would create an effective way to act on these red flags and help prevent tragedies. More and more states are recognizing that Red Flag laws can save lives, and we’re grateful to the lawmakers pushing to bring this common-sense public safety law to Colorado.”

STATEMENT FROM JANE DOUGHERTY, WHOSE SISTER, MARY SHERLACH, WAS KILLED IN THE SANDY HOOK SCHOOL SHOOTING AND MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK:

“This bill gives Colorado lawmakers a chance to spare other families the tragedy my family has endured. A gun in the hands of someone in crisis can be deadly, and by creating an Extreme Risk Protection Order, this bill would give Coloradans the chance to act on warning signs and protect loved ones and their communities.”