Rhode Island Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Governor Raimondo’s Life-Saving Red Flag Executive Action

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today praised Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo for signing an executive action that will establish a statewide red flag policy and for calling on the Rhode Island General Assembly to prioritize the passage of legislation that will further empower Rhode Islanders to save lives. The executive order will make it possible for law enforcement to act on tips received from family members indicating warning signs from a person in crisis and educate the public on how to recognize these red flags.

Newly introduced legislation in the Rhode Island state legislature could further empower law enforcement and families by allowing them to seek Extreme Risk Protection Orders to temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms to prevent them from harming themselves or others. More information about this type of legislation is available here.

STATEMENT FROM JENNIFER BOYLAN, VOLUNTEER LEADER FOR RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Today we are proud of Governor Raimondo as she becomes the first governor after the Parkland school shooting to sign an executive order to establish a Red Flag policy, and we echo her call on the legislature to act swiftly by passing legislation to ensure families and law enforcement have the vital tools they need to help keep our communities safe. The governor’s leadership is an example for the entire country and we hope others will follow Rhode Island’s lead. Family members and law enforcement are often the first people to notice red flags that indicate someone might be a danger to themselves or others. A red flag law is a crucial tool which can help prevent gun violence by restricting a person’s access to firearms when they show warning signs that they’re a danger to themselves or others. We are also grateful to legislators in the General Assembly for introducing a strong bill, and we urge them to pass this legislation to create an Extreme Risk Protection Order that will further empower Rhode Islanders to keep our families and communities safe.”