(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – On Thursday, March 21, a state appellate court ruled unanimously to uphold the state’s “red flag” law, which directs police to seek an order that temporarily removes an individual’s access to firearms when they present a danger to themself or others. Such red flag orders have been issued more than 9,000 times in the state since the state expanded the law in reaction to the Buffalo and Uvalde massacres.
Following the ruling, Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D - Merrick) applauded the decision as a victory for parents and public safety.
“As the father of three young kids, this ruling helps me sleep easier at night, and I suspect many parents feel the same way,” said Legislator Koslow. “Red flag orders could have potentially prevented horrifying mass shootings like those in Uvalde and Parkland, where the killer made threats prior to the attack. This is a reasonable, constitutionally sound tool for law enforcement to use in keeping our families safe.”