Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Ky) recently interviewed Dr. John Lott, author of the book: More Guns, Less Crimes, with the Crime Prevention Research Center. He also interviewed Sheriff Steve Reams of Weld County, Colorado, in this same discussion.
Massie is an opponent of Red Flag laws and the discussion is centered on exactly what impact Red Flag or Extreme Risk Protection Orders is all about. Reams speaks to the fact that Colorado recently passed Red Flag laws in that state and how it is already impacting them there.
Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Ky) with author Dr. John Lott and Sheriff Steve Reams.
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Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin
The City of Columbia passed their own Red Flag laws led by Mayor Steve Benjamin in September with little discussion and few who spoke opposing it in the City Council Chambers. It was coupled with a Hate Speech Crimes law.
Depending on the version of the law, citizens can have their firearms forcibly removed from them by law enforcement when a judge decrees they may be a threat to themselves or others based on requests by people who know the victim. To date there have been many citizens who have had their personal firearms forcibly removed from their possession by police.
Sheriff Reams emphasizes that Red Flag laws can be “weaponized” against citizens because someone may be mad or upset with them. Red flag gun laws have recently disarmed a former Marine for warning against Antifa, drawn opposition from the ACLU in California and many think could jeopardize the GOP’s 2020 hopes.
Most Constitutional authorities declare that ERPO or Red Flag laws violate the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Firearm removal with Red Flag laws are not based on anyone committing a crime. They are based on a “feeling” that someone may commit a crime. Massie says these are important differences to understand.
Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard, a pastor, businessman and conference speaker.
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