Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Monday joined New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) as he signed into law a bill that will give authorities increased ability to confiscate guns from individuals deemed dangerous.
Pelosi and gun control activists joined Cuomo in New York City for the signing of the state’s new “Red Flag Bill.” Pelosi highlighted the need for tighter gun laws nationwide and argued that gun violence poses a grave threat to the country.
{mosads}The law, which goes into effect in 180 days, allows family members, school officials or law enforcement officers to seek a court order to confiscate guns from an individual who is considered an “extreme risk” to themselves or others.
“We are empowering teachers not by giving them guns like the President wants — but by arming and empowering them with the law, so when a teacher or family member sees there is a problem, they can go to a judge and get a court-ordered evaluation,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The Red Flag Bill will save lives and doesn’t infringe on anybody’s rights and it is common sense.”
The law passed the state legislature in January on a party-line vote that did not receive any support from Republicans.
Pelosi praised the law as “bold and far-reaching” and called on state and federal lawmakers to collaborate on efforts to reduce gun violence.
The Speaker has cited gun violence as an area of focus for the Democratic-held House.
After President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border earlier this month, Pelosi suggested gun violence presented a more pressing issue that required an emergency declaration.