McMorrow Responds to Republican Attempts to Repeal Michigan Red Flag Law

MICHIGAN — In response to news that gun advocates and Michigan Republicans are pushing to repeal the lifesaving Red Flag Law she authored, Michigan Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow released the following statement:

“Another week, another wave of gun violence—and Michigan Republicans want to repeal my Red Flag Law, a law that’s actually saving lives. This isn’t theory. It’s proven. When someone’s in crisis, this law gives their loved ones a chance to step in and stop a tragedy before it happens. In just one year, we’ve heard from public safety officials across the state—including right in my community—who’ve seen this law work. I’m thinking about them, about survivors, about every family in Michigan who deserves to feel safe. This law isn’t going anywhere.”

McMorrow led the charge to pass Michigan’s first extreme risk protection order (ERPO), also known as the Red Flag Law. Michigan families who desperately wanted to intervene in moments of crisis before losing children, siblings, and loved ones to gun violence testified at the time, urging lawmakers to act.

Following the heartbreaking shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students, McMorrow’s bill passed in a package of gun violence prevention legislation that also expanded background checks and instituted safe storage guidelines when children are present. 

Under the law, certain people, including a parent, a spouse, a police officer, or a mental health professional can petition for a hearing to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a "significant risk of personal injury to himself or herself or others by possessing a firearm."

This week, Bridge reported that, “an officer with the Southfield Police Department testified against House Republicans efforts to repeal the legislation, saying Michigan’s red flag law is ‘an effective tool for law enforcement agencies.’

'In our opinion, it’s an effective measure or mechanism to remove these firearms when we feel there’s a situation that’s creating danger for the individuals associated with the home,’ Deputy Chief Aaron Huguley said.” 

Earlier this year, McMorrow penned an op-ed outlining the proven effectiveness of the legislation in Michigan and other states nationwide.