States Rarely Use Red Flag Laws Amid Shootings, Gun Deaths
In Chicago, more than 8,500 shootings resulted in 1,800 deaths since 2020. Yet, the Illinois' so-called "red flag" law was used to seize guns just four times, according to an Associated Press analysis.
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An Associated Press analysis found many U.S. states rarely use red flag laws, which allows authorities to temporarily seize weapons of individuals in poor mental health or otherwise likely to commit harm, Associated Press reports.
In 19 states and the District of Columbia, red flag laws led to the removal of 15,049 firearms since 2020, fewer than 10 per 100,000 adult residents.
In Chicago, more than 8,500 shootings resulted in 1,800 deaths since 2020. Yet, the law was used to seize guns just four times.
Some authorities blamed a lack of awareness of the law for its rare usage. Florida used the law the most, 5,800 times, or 34 per 100,000 adult residents, but a few counties, not including Miami-Dade, make up the bulk of the gun seizures.
