The U.S. Department of Justice recently launched a website designed to enhance the utilization of existing “red flag” laws for the purpose of revoking individuals’ gun rights. These laws are predominantly found in states under Democratic Party governance. Attorney General Merrick Garland introduced a new federal government “tool” on Saturday, aimed at providing quick access to resources for those seeking to disarm individuals they perceive as threats.

In collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, the DOJ established the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center. This online platform includes links to the 21 states and Washington, D.C. that have implemented “red flag” laws.

By clicking on states that have implemented red flag laws, visitors will have access to valuable resources that can assist them in navigating the legal process of temporarily or permanently confiscating firearms from individuals deemed a potential threat. These states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the center responsible for this initiative will offer training and technical support to various stakeholders involved in the implementation of these laws. This includes law enforcement officials, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service and social service providers, community organizations, and behavioral health professionals. The DOJ emphasized that the primary objective of these laws is to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from accessing firearms.

In a statement, Garland, the individual spearheading this effort, expressed confidence that this new system will effectively save lives.

“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 establishment of the Center is the latest example of the Justice Department’s work to use every tool provided by the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to protect communities from gun violence.”