Governor Stein calls for lawmakers to pass red flag law

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Governor Josh Stein is calling for lawmakers to do more when it comes to crime and mental health.

While in Southport, North Carolina, Stein called for a law in North Carolina that would allow weapons to be taken from someone with mental health challenges. It’s known as a red flag law, and currently, 21 states across the nation have this law on the books.

Stein admits it’s too soon to say if such a law would have prevented the shooting in Southport, but he does say passage of such a law would take a weapon out of the hands of a person who could harm themselves or others.

A red flag law, or in some states also known as an extreme risk protection order, allows law enforcement or a family member to petition the court to remove a weapon from a person deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Governor Stein is calling for the law 48 hours after Nigel Edge was arrested for shooting into a restaurant, killing three people, and injuring eight others at American Fish Company. Stein feels lawmakers need to do more to prevent these acts of violence.

“There are too many people in our communities with dangerous obsessions exhibiting threatening behavior that do pose risks,” added Stein. “We have got to do better, and I will do everything that I can, and I will work with anyone and everyone who is serious about protecting the people of this state.”

Back in April, Democratic state lawmakers, including two representatives from Mecklenburg County, introduced House Bill 732, also referred to as common sense gun regulations. The bill includes a provision for extreme risk protection orders. HB 732 is currently being reviewed by the House Rules Committee.