When the AGs Call BS on Your Red Flag Laws

Published on May 4, 2024
Duration: 11:11

This video discusses a letter sent by multiple State Attorneys General to the Department of Justice expressing concerns about the federal government's promotion of Red Flag Laws. The AGs argue that these laws lack reliable evidence of effectiveness in reducing violence, potentially infringe upon Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights by suspending fundamental rights without due process, and that the federal office promoting them is partnering with anti-gun advocacy groups. The letter urges the DOJ to cease this program.

Quick Summary

Multiple State Attorneys General have written to the DOJ criticizing the federal promotion of Red Flag Laws. They cite a lack of evidence for their effectiveness in reducing violence, potential violations of Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights due to lack of due process, and concerns about the federal office partnering with anti-gun advocacy groups. The AGs urge the DOJ to cease this program.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Red Flag Laws & Federal Push
  2. 01:07Sponsor: Right to Bear Legal Protection
  3. 01:58The Letter to Merrick Garland
  4. 02:35States Signing the Letter
  5. 03:17AGs' Concerns: Lack of Evidence
  6. 05:03Risks of Confrontation with Law Enforcement
  7. 05:31Constitutional Harms: Due Process & 2A Rights
  8. 06:09Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment Issues
  9. 06:41Congressional Criticism of Funding
  10. 07:07Federal Government's Role and Harris's Challenge
  11. 07:40The New Resource Center's Purpose
  12. 08:22Criticism of the Johns Hopkins Center
  13. 09:38Summary of Flaws and Call to Action
  14. 09:58Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main arguments against federal promotion of Red Flag Laws?

Attorneys General argue Red Flag Laws lack evidence of effectiveness, potentially violate Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights by suspending due process, and that the federal office promoting them is aligned with anti-gun advocacy groups, urging the DOJ to halt the program.

Which studies are cited to question the effectiveness of Red Flag Laws?

The video references studies from the Rand Corporation and the Duke Center for Firearms Law, which found no conclusive evidence that Red Flag Laws reduce violent crime, suicide, or homicides, and no significant impact on mass shootings.

What constitutional rights are allegedly infringed by Red Flag Laws?

The letter from Attorneys General suggests Red Flag Laws may violate the Second Amendment by suspending firearm rights without due process, the Fourth Amendment by allowing warrantless seizures, and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments by depriving individuals of property and rights without formal legal proceedings.

Who is behind the federal initiative promoting Red Flag Laws, and what are the concerns?

The initiative is promoted by the federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention, linked to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Concerns include its partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, perceived as a biased advocate for strict gun control, and the creation of federal bureaucracy instead of direct state funding.

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