Giffords Praises New Mexico Senate for Passing Legislation that Removes Guns from Dangerous People

 Senate approves SB 5, which would allow courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others 

February 7, 2020 — Giffords , the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, applauded the New Mexico Senate for passing legislation to establish a process to obtain an extreme risk protection order, which temporarily prohibits an individual who is a danger to themselves or others from possessing a firearm.

“When someone is in danger to themselves or others, removing a firearm from the situation can prevent a crisis from becoming deadly,” said Nico Bocour, state legislative director at Giffords. “An extreme risk law will help prevent tragic acts of gun violence in New Mexican communities. The Senate showed what it means to lead today by passing this life-saving measure. We’re thankful for the tremendous efforts of Senator Joseph Cervantes and Representatives Damon Ely and Joy Garratt for championing this bill forward and applaud the entire Senate for approving this critical tool that will help protect families and communities in New Mexico’”

 Extreme risk protection orders create a civil court order, issued by a judge upon consideration of evidence provided by law enforcement, that temporarily prohibits a person in crisis from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition. A common thread in many shootings is that family members of the shooters had noticed their loved ones engaging in dangerous behaviors and were concerned about their risk of harming themselves or others—even before any violence occurred.