Raimondo Signs 'Red Flag' Order, Allowing Gun Seizures, If Legal

WARWICK, RI—Rhode Island has become the sixth U.S. state to adopt a so-called 'red flag' law, which allows the authorities to confiscate firearms from anyone deemed a threat. But it was unclear whether police could actually take away the guns.

Gov. Gina Raimondo on Monday signed an executive order directing law enforcement "to consider all red flags, including recent threats of violence made in person, in videos and on social media and take all available legal steps to remove firearms from any person who poses a threat to themselves or others," her office said. The order takes effect immediately.

Asked how it would work, Josh Block, spokesman for the governor, referred to a future bill the General Assembly is considering.

"The bill proposed by the legislature and endorsed by the Governor allows for law enforcement, the attorney general’s office, and members of an individual’s family or household to petition for the extreme risk protective order," he said. "Today’s Executive Order sets the table for this legislative action through a public education and awareness campaign aimed at identifying red flags and understanding the available options, the establishment of a Gun Safety Working Group, and a directive to the State Police to coordinate with local law enforcement on assessing all red flag reports.

He referred questions about the details to the state police. The state police command staff will provide the answers as soon as possible, the spokeswoman said.

Connecticut, California, Washington, Oregon and Indiana already have red flag laws. Raimondo became the first U.S. governor to use an executive order to accomplish the same, her office said.

Her order also put the Public Safety, Health, and Education departments in charge of a public education campaign about red flags.

And finally, her executive order created a new Gun Safety Working Group, which will make recommendations about preventing gun violence.

The executive action would be temporary until the General Assembly passes a similar bill, her office indicated. Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin is sponsoring red flag legislation in the Senate.

Goodwin maintained the process would be fair. A judge would make the decision.

"Too often, after a mass shooting we learn about all the warning signs people saw from the shooter and wonder why they still had guns," Goodwin said. "But the truth is, there isn't always a legal means to stop them. These actions will provide a speedy but fair process to ensure that those who pose a legitimate risk do not remain armed."