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Localities are too timid about using Virginia red flag law that can save lives
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Virginia Mercury
That’s the unmistakable conclusion found in recent news articles about the use – or lack thereof – of “emergency substantial risk orders,” commonly known as the red flag law.
Such emergency orders work.
Columbia University researchers used computer modeling to show Florida’s red flag law reduced firearm homicides by about 11%.
Virginia State Police told me that since the law took effect in July 2020 through Sept. 2, 2025, authorities obtained 1,994 emergency orders statewide.
The red flag law in Virginia is no panacea.
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