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Law enforcement say Red Flag Law works, Lawmaker calls it “anti-second amendment”

In terms of the Red Flag Law, local law enforcement argues that it is working.

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Law enforcement say Red Flag Law works, Lawmaker calls it “anti-second amendment”

In terms of the Red Flag Law, local law enforcement argues that it is working.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A law commonly known as the “Red Flag Law” allows law enforcement to file a court motion to take away someone’s guns if they are a risk to themselves or others. This law has been controversial for years. “Are we talking about somebody who’s actively psychotic and out of touch with reality or somebody that’s just really struggling at the time,” Dr. Laura Streyffeler, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, said. The law was passed after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. But, Streyffeler is fearful if law enforcement starts to make clinical diagnoses, that could be dangerous.  “I think if we start having them diagnose and take away weapons and have mental health diagnosis as a way that people are going to lose their firearms I think what’s going to happen is people are going to stop looking for help,” Streyffeler said.  However, mental health isn’t the sticking point here. State Representative Anthony Sabatini who represents Lake County, outside of Orlando, took to social media this week saying he is pushing forward with a move to repeal the law. Not only that, but Sabatini is also looking to roll back what he calls another irrational anti-second amendment law, such as banning anyone who is under 21-years-old from owning a gun. In terms of the Red Flag Law, local law enforcement argues that it is working.    “Just like law enforcement can take someone into protective custody if they’re a threat to themselves like a Baker Act it kind of coincides with that,” said, Claudette Bennett, Public Information Officer, Charlotte Co. Sheriff’s Office. “There’s no way a risk protection order would be filed without clear and convincing evidence that this individual could be a risk,” she said.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A law commonly known as the “Red Flag Law” allows law enforcement to file a court motion to take away someone’s guns if they are a risk to themselves or others. This law has been controversial for years.

“Are we talking about somebody who’s actively psychotic and out of touch with reality or somebody that’s just really struggling at the time,” Dr. Laura Streyffeler, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, said.

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The law was passed after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. But, Streyffeler is fearful if law enforcement starts to make clinical diagnoses, that could be dangerous. 

“I think if we start having them diagnose and take away weapons and have mental health diagnosis as a way that people are going to lose their firearms I think what’s going to happen is people are going to stop looking for help,” Streyffeler said. 

However, mental health isn’t the sticking point here. State Representative Anthony Sabatini who represents Lake County, outside of Orlando, took to social media this week saying he is pushing forward with a move to repeal the law.

Not only that, but Sabatini is also looking to roll back what he calls another irrational anti-second amendment law, such as banning anyone who is under 21-years-old from owning a gun.

In terms of the Red Flag Law, local law enforcement argues that it is working.   

“Just like law enforcement can take someone into protective custody if they’re a threat to themselves like a Baker Act it kind of coincides with that,” said, Claudette Bennett, Public Information Officer, Charlotte Co. Sheriff’s Office.

“There’s no way a risk protection order would be filed without clear and convincing evidence that this individual could be a risk,” she said.