LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Gun violence prevention advocates are urging Michiganders to use the state’s new “red flag” law to prevent future tragedies, following last month’s deadly school shooting in Minnesota.
At a press conference Thursday, leaders from End Gun Violence Michigan and partner organizations said the state’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law gives families, police, and mental health professionals the power to temporarily disarm individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others.
“Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” said Rev. Chris Yaw of St. David’s Episcopal Church. “If somebody that you love is in crisis, you have the power to prevent mass shootings or suicide with this law.”
The law, which took effect in 2024, has already been used to remove more than 200 firearms from situations across the state. Advocates pointed out that Minnesota has a similar law, but no one thought to use it before last week’s shooting.
Skye Thietten, a steering committee member with End Gun Violence Michigan, stressed that ERPOs can be applied for by law enforcement, healthcare providers, and certain family members. “If someone in your life is in crisis and has access to a firearm, please consider contacting law enforcement and filing an Extreme Risk Protection Order,” she said.
Speakers also included student organizer Aaliyah Murray, founder of Minnesota Teen Activists, who helped launch a nationwide student walkout planned for Friday. “We are sick and tired of living in fear of gun violence,” Murray said. “Young people shouldn’t be taking our lives in our hands when we go to school.”
Advocates are calling for state lawmakers to invest in public education campaigns so more residents are aware of the ERPO law and how to use it. They argue that while the law is already saving lives, its full impact will only be felt if the public understands how to take action before another tragedy occurs.
