Red flag laws may prevent more suicides than mass shootings

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — “Red flag” laws are getting renewed interest following the Parkland, Florida, school mass shooting, but some say they may have a bigger impact on reducing suicides than on attacks in schools or other public places.

The legislation temporarily restricts gun ownership from individuals who are considered a threat to themselves or others.

Experts say red flag laws show promise in curbing U.S. firearm suicides, which account for 60 percent of gun deaths.

In Connecticut, the first state to adopt a red flag law in 1999, one study estimated that seizing guns from those deemed a danger stopped one suicide per 10 to 20 gun seizures over 14 years.

Seven states now have such laws and at least 16 others are considering them.