(WKBW) — President Trump called for "red flag" gun laws at his address to the nation following the weekend's mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas.
"I have called for red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders," Trump said.
The red flag law is going into effect here in New York State at the end of the month. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation in February that says teachers, parents, and law enforcement can all report people who they believe are a threat to themselves or others. If there's enough evidence a person is a threat, authorities can stop that person from being allowed to buy a gun, or take away guns the person already has.
"We must make sure that those judged to pose a grave risk to public safety do not have access to firearms, and if that if they do those firearms can be taken through rapid due process," Trump said.
Authorities will be able to confiscate guns before any crime is committed. Cuomo voiced his skepticism that the President's words will turn into federal action.
"I say to the President this, if you are sincere about what you're saying do an executive order," Cuomo said.
Recent gun legislation in Congress included a bill on stricter background checks that would end gun show loopholes (H.R.8). Western New York Representatives Tom Reed (NY-23) and Chris Collins (NY-27) voted against the legislation, Representative Brian Higgins (NY-26) voted for it. That legislation passed the house, but was never put to a vote in the senate.
