On Monday Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he is set to introduce bipartisan legislation that makes it easier for states to create "red flag" laws. It's also been reported that President Trump is very supportive of this.
A statement was released that said Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have reached a deal that would start a federal grant program that will help states get started with creating "red flag" laws that will make it an easier for process for law enforcement to identify mentally ill people who should not be allowed to purchase firearms.
“These grants will be given to law enforcement so they can hire and consult with mental health professionals to better determine which cases need to be acted upon. This grant program also requires robust due process and judicial review. It does allow for quick action," Graham said in the statement.
Graham also stated that he has spoken with President Trump on the issue and he has his backing.
Per The Hill:
JUST IN: Lindsey Graham to offer bipartisan "red flag" gun safety bill with Trump's support https://t.co/cXTTIGuuqc pic.twitter.com/daafFcSN6l
— The Hill (@thehill) August 5, 2019
The forthcoming legislation comes after a gunman on Saturday killed 20 people and wounded dozens more in an attack at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday. Less than a day later, at least nine people were killed and more than two dozen were injured in a Dayton, Ohio shooting. The two shootings are not believed to be linked.
Trump highlighted "red flag" legislation during his speech from the White House on Monday as one of the proposals he would support in the wake of the two shootings. He did not discuss gun background check proposals, which are being pushed for by Democrats in the wake of the shootings.
Graham added in his statement on Monday that he would introduce the bill with Blumenthal in the "very near future," adding that he hopes senators from both parties "will join us to finally move forward in the effort to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.”
“I appreciate President Trump’s strong statement rejecting hate and white supremacist ideology, urging us all to reject a culture of violence, as well as a call to action on multiple fronts," Graham added.
There has been a mixed reaction from people on Twitter. Many on the left assume this is just speculation and are skeptical about a bill actually getting passed.
yeah, right
I will believe it when I see it, #LeningradLindsey pic.twitter.com/CE2Eopg9ls— The Goof™ (@MetsFanInPhilly) August 5, 2019
Republicans feeling Guilty I see.
— s (@AARON892) August 5, 2019
Here is President Trump speaking on the issue today:
