Are Red Flag Laws a Green Light to Save Lives?

ABSTRACT Mass shootings have become a prominent topic of discussion in recent years, prompting policymakers in the United States to take action through state legislation aimed at reducing their occurrence. Red Flag Laws seek to implement gun control measures by allowing the removal of firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. In this study, I examine the impact of Red Flag Laws on firearm suicide rates and firearm homicide rates. The primary results suggest that states with Red Flag Laws are associated with an estimated decrease of just over 8% in firearm suicide rates and 15% in firearm homicide rates, with effects primarily observed in states allowing both family members and law enforcement to petition the court.