“I think something we can all agree on is that a person who is a threat to themselves or a threat to others should not have access to weapons,” Governor Lee said during a press conference on April 3rd.
That statement is almost verbatim of the intent of a “Red Flag” law which is defined as a gun violence prevention law that permits a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who they believe may present a danger to others or themselves.
However, Lee also indicated that he has a keen interest in “protecting the Constitutional rights” of Tennesseans including the persons who would be affected by whatever laws are put forth.
Lee stated that he anticipates that over the next few weeks, the administration and the legislature will be looking at legislation already in place around the country to “make sure that those who are a threat to our people, to our children do not have access to weapons, protecting the Constitutional Rights of Tennesseans at the same time. That is the way forward.”
A reporter asked Lee that if he decided to go the “Red Flag Law” route and received pushback from gun advocate groups like the NRA, what would be his response.
Lee sidestepped the question by saying, “The term Red Flag Laws means a lot of things to a lot of different people… I’m looking for answers to separate dangerous people from firearms and protect Constitutional rights. It is very important that we do that. Whatever it’s called, that’s what it should accomplish.”
