The Red Flag: How Domestic Violence is Linked to Mass Shootings

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Study Shows Domestic Violence as a Red Flag for Mass Shootings

Lewiston, Maine – In a recent study conducted by the San Diego City Attorney’s office, it has been found that domestic violence is a significant red flag for potential mass shooters. The study examined several high-profile cases, including the Lewiston, Maine spree shooting, a Florida Republican donor’s murder-suicide, and the shooting of a Judge in Maryland. In each of these cases, the perpetrators had a history of domestic violence.

The study revealed that individuals who have previously committed violence against an intimate partner or family member are more likely to engage in gun violence, particularly mass shootings. This finding highlights the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies targeting domestic violence offenders.

One such strategy is the use of gun violence restraining orders (GVROs), also known as red flag laws. California, in particular, has been at the forefront of implementing these laws. As the City Attorney of San Diego, I have personally used GVROs to disarm over a thousand dangerous individuals, with a third of them being domestic abusers. The availability of GVROs has contributed to California having 43% fewer gun deaths compared to the rest of the country.

Since the introduction of California’s red flag law seven years ago, GVROs have played a crucial role in disarming potential mass shooters. The study found that 58 individuals who had threatened to commit large-scale gun violence were disarmed using GVROs. Alarmingly, nearly a third of these individuals possessed assault-type weapons such as AR or AK-style rifles.

Focusing on the use of GVROs to address domestic violence not only protects victims but also safeguards entire communities. Domestic violence has been identified as a common factor in nearly 70% of fatal mass shootings in the United States. The shooters in incidents like Sandy Hook, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Robb Elementary, Pulse Nightclub, and the recent spree shooting in Lewiston had either killed a partner or family member or had a history of domestic abuse.

It is crucial to highlight that the use of GVROs and Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) in cases of domestic violence is constitutionally consistent with the Second Amendment. However, the upcoming Supreme Court case of United States v. Rahimi raises questions about the extent of federal law’s ability to prohibit individuals subject to a domestic violence restraining order from owning a gun.

The case of Zackey Rahimi, the subject of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing, exemplifies why red flag laws are essential for community safety. Rahimi had a protective order against him due to his actions against his ex-girlfriend and was involved in multiple shooting incidents. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that prosecuting Rahimi for possessing guns violated his Second Amendment rights. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case will have significant implications for the future of red flag laws.

Public opinion overwhelmingly supports restricting gun ownership in domestic violence scenarios. A poll revealed that 81% of self-identified Republicans and 91% of self-identified Democrats support a federal law banning those convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a gun. However, one of the challenges is raising awareness about red flag laws. Despite being available in 21 states, most Americans are unaware of this crisis intervention tool. In California, where GVROs have been available for five years, two-thirds of the population surveyed had no knowledge of them.

As the nation grapples with the ongoing gun violence epidemic, spreading awareness about the availability and effectiveness of red flag laws may be the quickest and most impactful solution. It is crucial to educate the public on how they can utilize these laws to address one of the most persistent patterns in gun violence.

Mara Elliott, the San Diego City Attorney, is recognized as a pioneer and national leader in preventing gun violence through the use of red flag laws. Her work serves as a model for other jurisdictions looking to implement similar measures.

In conclusion, the study’s findings emphasize the urgent need to address domestic violence as a red flag for potential mass shooters. The use of gun violence restraining orders, such as California’s GVROs, has proven effective in disarming individuals who pose a significant threat. By focusing on domestic violence, we can protect victims, communities, and potentially prevent future mass shootings..