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Whitmer wants tougher 'red flag' gun law

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she would support a “red flag” law to allow law enforcement to seize firearms from someone who is deemed a risk.

When asked about the topic, Whitmer said more can be done to prevent mass shootings by murderers who use rapid-fire, high-capacity firearms. She says that includes identifying people who pose a risk of violence and getting a court order to seize their guns. She says the prospect is frightening.

“It could be a question of time, not a question of whether or not Michigan has to confront something like we’ve seen play out in Ohio and Texas, and I don’t even like saying that out loud,” she said. “We have to be mindful of the fact that there are improvements I think that we can make with regard to gun safety and policy here in Michigan, and I want to see if we can find some common ground.”

There are several bills before a state House committee that would make it easier to take guns from people deemed a risk to themselves or others, but are considered unlikely to move under a Republican-controlled Legislature.

Whitmer says she’d still like to go to work to adopt some version of a “red flag” law once the state budget and a plan to pay for roads are adopted.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.