How Minnesota’s Red Flag Law Measures up Against Similar Statute

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

( Mike Moen–Minnesota News Connection) – Nearly two dozen states have “red flag” laws, allowing a court to temporarily prohibit someone who poses a threat from possessing firearms.

Minnesota’s law is being evaluated for its effectiveness. The laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders, often start with a loved one or law enforcement asking a civil court to intervene if there is reasonable concern someone – deemed a danger to themselves or others – should not have a gun. The group Protect Minnesota hosted a recent discussion on the topic.

Lisa Geller, senior adviser for implementation in the Center for Gun Violence Solutions at Johns Hopkins University, said in its first year, Minnesota’s law saw 135 orders issued, with an eye-opening twist.

“In Minnesota, 71% of those orders were petitioned by law enforcement,” Geller reported. “I think that’s interesting, because that’s actually lower than a lot of states.”