The House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday that will allow judges across the United States to seize weapons and firearms from anyone possessing an imminent danger to themselves or others.
The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act was passed after it garnered a vote of 224-202 with five Republicans voting in favor of the bill.
According to the bill, US judges will also be allowed to prevent individuals from purchasing firearms under the same circumstances.
In addition, the newly passed bill will also allow police officers and family members to impose restrictions so long as there is reasonable cause and they provide proof of danger. Judges will be allowed to enforce either a 14-day or 180-day ban on the possession or purchase of firearms.
Although the legislation has yet to pass through the Senate, it has received votes from five Republicans including Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Rep. Chris Jacobs of New York.
NEW: the House just passed the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, creating a federal "red flag" law. It would also give guidance and grants to encourage states and localities to create, fund, and successfully implement red flag laws.
I voted YES; this was the vote: pic.twitter.com/ewhByq1lmh
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) June 9, 2022
“Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, creating a federal red flag law. It would also give guidance and grants to encourage states and localities to create, fund, and successfully implement red flag laws. I voted YES.” Rep. Don Beyer said.
The decision came after the horrific shooting massacre that took place in Buffalo and in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that killed 21 people, including 19 children.
Moreover, leading Democratic voice on gun legislation Sen. Chris Murphy, D-CT also called for US President Joe Biden’s action, asking him to stay out of negotiations and said that the Congress “needs to do this ourselves.”
“We’re not going to put a piece of legislation on the table that will ban assault weapons or pass comprehensive background checks. Right now, people in this country want us to make progress, they just don’t want the status quo to continue for another 30 years.” Murphy said.
Recently, several Republicans have pushed back on Democratic calls for sweeping gun control measures including strict regulations and mass confiscations and
Reports revealed that Democrats are unlikely to move forward with such bills due to the deadlocked Senate.
