Republican lawmakers are coming together in support of a “red flag” law – a measure designed to permit law enforcement officers to take guns from those who pose an imminent danger, The New York Times is reporting.
If it is eventually signed into law, a “red flag” measure would be the most significant gun control legislation in 20 years, the newspaper noted.
After a weekend that left 31 people dead in two mass shootings, Republicans appear ready to move ahead.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was interrupted by shouts on Sunday demanding he “do something.” On Tuesday he asked fellow Republicans in the state legislature to establish “red flag” powers and expand background checks.
And Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, whose district includes Dayton said: “I will support legislation that prevents the sale of military-style weapons to civilians, a magazine limit and red flag legislation. The carnage these military-style weapons are able to produce when available to the wrong people is intolerable.”
The Times noted that a “red flag” law might be the only gun-related measure that could get through the Senate.
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. told The Argus Leader he was “confident Congress will be able to find common ground on the so-called 'red flag' issue.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he plans on submitting bipartisan legislation, with President Donald Trump’s support, to help states create “red flag” laws.
And Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee urging them to consider his “red flag” bill.