Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Hails New Mexico Governor’s Signing of Extreme Protection Order Bill into Law  

 New law will allow courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others 

February 25, 2020 — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, applauded the New Mexico Legislature for passing legislation that establishes the process to obtain an extreme risk protection order. Extreme risk laws help to temporarily prohibit an individual reported as a danger to themselves or others from possessing a firearm.

Statement from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

“The demand from Americans for stronger laws that will protect their families is stronger than ever. They are fed up living with the constant worry about what could happen to their kids at school or whether their community could become the site of a shooting. Their calls can’t be answered without leaders who are willing to stand up to special interests and fight for what’s right. Since she first came into office, Governor Lujan Grisham vowed to pass safer gun laws and followed through. She never wavered and had a vision for New Mexico that included giving families an opportunity to stop their loved one from using a gun in a crisis. We thank her and bill sponsors Representatives Damon Ely and Joy Garratt, and Senator Joseph Cervantes for taking the next step to a safer New Mexico by leading with action.”

 Extreme risk protection orders create a civil court order, issued by a judge after the consideration of evidence provided by law enforcement, temporarily preventing a person in crisis from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition. ERPOs allow family members or friends who see warning signs that an individual is at risk of hurting themselves or others to temporarily prohibit that individual from having a firearm.