Why Utah Needs A Red Flag Law ASAP

Utah has a long history with guns and being an open carry state makes it an even better place to implement this safety law.  

Places like Salt Lake City and Ogden are areas that have known gun violence for years but now even Southern Utah is seeing a rise is deaths and gun violence. Over the last few years, incidents seem to occur every few months in Utah.  

Just yesterday, a mother and three children were found in their car shot to death in West Haven.  

So, with all these awful incidents occurring and deaths resulting, it seems appropriate for Utah to consider the Red Flag Law or Extreme Risk Laws.  

The Red Flag Law is something that helps remove firearms from someone who might hurt themselves or someone else, The Guardian said. A civil proceeding happens and usually family members or police officers start this process over concern for safety. 

The first Red Flag Law was implemented in 1999 in Connecticut followed by Indiana five years later.  

According to research from a Connecticut study, for every 10 Extreme Risk orders (the implementation of RFLs) one suicide is prevented, Every Town Research said. Indiana saw a 7.5% drop in its gun suicide rate associated with RFLs. 

Only 21 states have implemented RFLs, and Utah should be next on the list to consider adding it. In Utah, 82% of intentional gun deaths are suicide, EveryStat.org said.  

Between the suicide rates and homicides in Utah, it is imperative for those who are concerned about an individual to be able to act. This could help prevent needless deaths from gun violence and suicide by gun in Utah.