Massachusetts Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud The General Court’s Final Passage of Lifesaving Red Flag Legislation

Red Flag Law Would Empower Family and Law Enforcement to Petition Courts to Temporarily Suspend a Person’s Access to Firearms If They Pose a Risk to Self or Others

Red Flag Law Could Help Prevent Firearm Suicides and Mass Shootings

BOSTON – The Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement praising the Massachusetts state legislature’s final passage of HB 4670. This Red Flag bill would empower families and law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), a court order that would temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms when they pose a risk of using them to harm themselves or others. Family members and law enforcement are often the first people to recognize warning signs that indicate someone might be a danger to themselves or others. The bill now heads to Governor Baker’s desk. Gov. Baker has indicated support generally for a Red Flag law.

Six states have enacted Red Flag laws this year.

STATEMENT FROM MOLLY MALLOY, VOLUNTEER WITH MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Tonight we want to acknowledge that hearts are breaking in Maryland and across the country after today’s horrific shooting in the Capital Gazette building. This is a deadly reminder that we are fortunate our state legislators showed that they take the gun safety concerns of all their constituents seriously today by passing this Red Flag bill, a crucial piece of legislation that will help prevent firearm suicides and mass shootings. We are especially grateful to Rep. Decker and Speaker DeLeo for their tireless commitment to public safety. Today is a wonderful day for the people of Massachusetts and we urge Governor Baker to listen to Bay Staters and sign this bill into law immediately.”