Florida 'red flag' gun law used 3,500 times since Parkland

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Florida 'red flag' gun law used 3,500 times since Parkland

By TERRY SPENCER
February 14, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A 23-year-old man who posted on Facebook, “I don’t know why I don’t go on a killing spree.” A West Palm Beach couple who shot up their home while high on cocaine. A 31-year-old Gulf Coast man who pointed a semiautomatic rifle at a motorcyclist.

All four Florida residents had their guns taken away by judges under a “red flag” law the state passed three weeks after authorities say a mentally disturbed man killed 17 people in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland two years ago Friday.

The law, supported by legislators of both parties , has been applied more than 3,500 times since, with the pace accelerating during the last half of 2019. Even so, an Associated Press analysis of the law showed its use is inconsistent, with some counties and cities using it rarely and others not at all.

Advocates of Florida’s red flag measure say before it existed, it was often difficult to remove firearms from those making threats or suffering severe mental breakdowns. Investigators did not act on reports that the Parkland shooter was threatening to carry out a school massacre. But even if they had, it is likely he would have been allowed to keep his guns because he had no felony convictions or involuntary, long-term mental commitments, they say.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/6560501986455adcb0ef57fdb370035a

[The Mouth]

1. I like, and have guns

and have no problems with lethal self defense to say nothing of shooting sports.

But

There are people who shouldn't have them.

As much as I like shooting paper targets, and regard a rapist, carjacker or home invader rapidly assuming room temperature from a gaping chest wound as a Good Thing, I've also known drunken, mentally unbalanced, and just generally violent assholes who shouldn't even have a pocket knife.

It's not an 'either/or'

[Backseat Driver]

2. Never hesitate to be safe; make good and lawful choices!

[The Mouth]

3. Every one of my firarms is based on something 100+ years old

a bolt action rifle with 3 in the clip, a pump action shotgun, and a couple revolvers. Late 1800's tech. But then I write with a fountain pen, too.

[crono]

4. is your rifle

a Berthier? i like to collect ww1 and ww2 weapons, so far i only have a m44 1945 mosin nagant.

[The Mouth]

6. Winchester model 70.

Bolt action, 3 in the magazine.

.300 Winchester magnum.

[crono]

7. sweet rifle

300 win mag is a little to much gun for me. whats the largest caliber you've shot?

[crono]

5. speaking of self defense

have you heard this story?

&t=4s