Amid Somber moods, accusations against agencies and the Trump administration, the school shooting in Florida is one of the grave incidents that attract focus on the gun rules that exist in America. The Republicans are often for gun ownership while the Democrats advocate against gun ownership. The latest attack has vibrated the debate on guns raising the question of whether the existence of red flag laws in Florida would have saved 17 lives.
Red flag laws or gun violence restraining orders are laws designed to take away the right of an individual to own a gun and sometimes on a temporary basis. It strips gun rights from people who show warning signs of violence that may endanger the lives of others. Only five States in America have these laws enabling the police, family members or guardians to request the judicial system to temporarily strip gun rights of individuals exhibiting warning signs.
Nikolas Cruz Warning Signs
Even though warning signs could be relative, it is mostly clear and capable for people to note imminent dangerous behaviors hence averting crisis such as the Florida school shooting. Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old exhibited such behaviors which include being expelled from school for misconduct, fighting with classmates, fascinations for weapons, cruelty to animals, vile social media comments and previous mental health treatment among others. Nikolas propagated the attack on his former school and killed 17 people.
The assailant was also flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigations but no action was taken against him, a move Trump has criticized. On the other hand, victims are vocal to the Republican-backed Trump administration which has fought heavy regulation on gun ownership. Florida as one of the states without the red flag laws and may have to consider implementing the laws to save lives.
It would not have been enough for relatives, Cruz’s former school or the authorities requesting a judicial order barring the young American from owning a gun. Instead, Cruz was licensed to own an AR-15 assault weapon which he used in the school shooting despite warnings from the mother, school, and numerous police visits. Supporters of the red flag laws stated that the laws can save lives by preventing shootings and suicides.
Position of the Red Flag Laws
The legislation is a Democrat product yet to be heard in Congress during these years’ sessions. Congress is busy with immigration and budget legislation as well as the Russian probe in the form of Republican and Democrat memos. With the possibility of the law resurfacing in Congress sessions yet to come, it is uncertain whether such a bill may be passed in a state Legislature with a Republican majority. Republicans generally favor expanding gun rights.
