A new gun bill allowing authorities to temporarily take away guns from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others is being pushed by an Alaskan lawmaker.
The proposal was introduced by Democratic Rep. Geran Tarr after the attack at a Florida airport on January 6 that left five people dead and eight wounded.
The proposed bill, House Bill 75, would let immediate family members or police file protective orders against individuals thought to be a danger to themselves or others because they have access to a gun.
Depending on the orders, a person could be prohibited from possessing or attempting to purchase a gun or ammunition anywhere from three days to six months.
The bill would also require the individuals to surrender or sell any of the guns once the order has been issued. When the order expires, the surrendered items would be returned.
Tarr said that high standards would have to be met to show that someone is a danger to themselves or others.
Last November, the shooter, Esteban Santiago, entered an FBI office in Anchorage and told officials he was under mind control. After a mental health evaluation, he was released a few days later. The gun that he owned went to the FBI office but was later returned to him. According to officials, that same gun was used in the airport shooting.
“I want family members to feel empowered to speak up and say something and hopefully, maybe, we can prevent the next violent thing from happening,” Rep. Tarr told the Associated Press.
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