On Saturday, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced what amounts to federal red-flag centers aimed at further encroaching on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
A Department of Justice (DOJ) press release stated, “The launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center will provide our partners across the country with valuable resources to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.”
The program empowers local and federal officials to remove weapons from the premises of individuals deemed a “threat.” It does not, however, stipulate how or why an individual would be deemed a “threat.”
The DOJ press release also cites Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, who argued the program is necessary to curb gun violence.
“Supporting our law enforcement and community partners in curbing the scourge of gun violence is more critical than ever,” he said.
Mizer added the program “will provide communities with new tools and technical assistance to help them implement effective crisis intervention strategies and reduce gun violence.”
The DOJ developed the program without congressional input and reportedly sought funding by incorporating it into an omnibus bill that members of Congress could only access after voting.
PJ Media reported that many members of Congress were unaware that the program was incorporated into the omnibus bill, as “the site was down, and nobody read it and alerted Americans.”
“Congress didn’t approve this,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said, according to the outlet.
Second Amendment advocates have sharply criticized the program.
Massie referred to the measure as “evil.” He posted on X: “What the hell is this evil? A Federal Red Flag center. We did not authorize this.”
What the hell is this evil?
A Federal Red Flag center;
We did not authorize this.
Announced, of course, just hours after the omnibus passes. https://t.co/IkuK0aTeV8— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 23, 2024
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) warned the program authorizes “every spy tool the US government has in order to violate America’s Second Amendment!!”
Vice President Kamala Harris lauded the program during a visit to Parkland, Florida, where she toured the site of a 2018 school shooting that left 17 dead.
According to the Guardian, Harris met with victim’s families and called on the 29 states that do not have red-flag laws — laws that allow courts to order the removal of firearms from individuals deemed capable of harming themselves or others — to use resources provided by the expanded DOJ program to adopt similar legislation.
The AP profiled her visit, noting that Harris argued the time has come for states to change policies and protocols.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) blasted the program and posted the names of the Republicans in the House and Senate who voted for the bill. The post included the banner, “These are the turncoats that voted to violate your rights.”
The FPC also warned that the provision could lead to law-abiding citizens being “awakened at 3 am by loud crashing noises” as “State Agents” enter their residences to seize weapons.
