Governor Tim Walz Defends New Red Flag Law as Lifesaver

(KNSI) — Governor Tim Walz is fighting off criticism of a new extreme risk protection order law that went into effect on Monday.

The so-called red flag law allows for a family member or domestic partner to petition a court to take away firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others. Opponents say it strips gun owners of due process as they are required to hand over firearms without being charged with a crime. At a press conference to discuss the new law, Walz strongly refuted those accusations, saying it is common sense legislation that will help save lives. “I say this as a gun owner, as a veteran, as a lifelong hunter; none of these things infringe upon your constitutional rights to safe usage of firearms. What they do do is they save lives and they make our cities and our homes a little bit safer.”

A check of the Minnesota courts website states the person would lose their right to own a gun. The overview reads, “If someone has an ERPO against them, they only lose their rights during the time of the ERPO, not permanently.”

Walz said on his social media, “I know basic gun safety isn’t a threat to the Second Amendment. It’s about keeping guns out of the wrong hands for the safety of our kids.”

A new report from gun control advocacy group Protect Minnesota regarding gun-related violence shows roughly 70% of the state’s gun-related deaths are suicides. Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne spoke up during the press conference, telling reporters that family members are in a unique position to notice if someone is in distress, adding they exhibit warning signs and can sometimes make threats.

If an ERPO is filed against someone, they can challenge it.

Learn more here.

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