Tuesday night the Wilmington City Council will consider a resolution that asks North Carolina’s General Assembly and Governor to consider legislation that would prohibit those deemed an extreme threat to themselves or others from being able to purchase – or keep - weapons like handguns and rifles.
They are called Red Flag laws, and they are now on the books in 11 U.S. states.
These laws ask courts to consider a person's history of violence or attempted violence, unlawful use of controlled substances or deadly weapons and recent purchases of deadly weapons. They allow courts to seize firearms from people considered to pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others.
Under red flag laws, guns are taken from a person temporarily. How long the guns are withheld varies from state to state. In California and Florida, for example, firearms can be removed for up to a year.
Council member Kevin O’Grady sponsored the resolution.
The National Rifle Association tells WHQR they are not opposed to this legislation, as long as it follows due process and has a mental health component, such as required treatment.
Also Tuesday evening, the council will again take up regulations for short-term lodging in the city. A public hearing and the first of two required votes was held at the June 19 meeting. This would be the second and final vote to make changes to city regulations.