State’s red-flag law needs greater visibility among public

Published 1:30 am Sunday, August 14, 2022

The article on the use of Washington state’s extreme risk protection order, aka “red flag” law, in Snohomish County was very informative and timely (“To prevent tragedies, police see extreme risk orders as the ‘safest tool,’” The Herald, Aug. 7.

It seems to be much more effective than the public is generally aware of. The article should spur even greater awareness and use of it to avoid future gun-related tragedies. Often those that are reported tell of warning signs yet nothing was done. While our society remains awash in easily obtainable guns it is up to those aware of people at risk to act on that information to save people from either themselves or harm from others.

Perhaps a follow-up article explaining in more detail the ways to report people at risk would be helpful.

Christian Saether

Edmonds