Red Flag Gun Bill Fails

As anticipated the state senate has defeated a measure that would have allowed law enforcement to get a court order to temporarily remove guns from a mentally ill person who poses a danger. Bente Birkeland has more…

Supporters of the so-called ‘red flag’ bill say it would have saved lives. But on Monday Senate Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, said their members opposed it. Senator Tim Neville of Littleton says the focus should be on treating mental illness, not removing guns, even temporarily.

“I have never met a violent gun yet. Have any of you ever met a violent gun?  Have you ever met a violent kitchen knife?”

The bill was named after Zack Parrish, a former sheriff’s deputy in Douglas County who was killed by a mentally ill man law enforcement had had contact with. Two Republicans in the house backed the bill,  so did Arapahoe county District Attorney George Brauchler. He’s the GOP candidate for Attorney General.