Red Flag Gun Laws Cut Suicides by 675 in Four States

A groundbreaking study proves that keeping guns temporarily away from people in crisis saves lives without simply shifting them to other suicide methods.

Researchers at UC Berkeley analyzed data from four states that passed Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws and compared them to eight states without such laws. The results were clear: firearm suicides dropped by nearly four deaths per 100,000 people, preventing an estimated 675 suicides in just the first year after the laws took effect.

"Red flag" laws allow family members or law enforcement to petition courts for temporary firearm removal when someone shows signs of being a danger to themselves or others. The orders are designed to be short-term interventions during moments of acute crisis.

For years, opponents argued these laws wouldn't truly prevent suicides but would simply push desperate individuals toward other methods like overdose or hanging. The new research, published in JAMA Health Forum, puts that concern to rest.

"We found no evidence of individuals switching to other methods of suicide once firearms were restricted," said lead researcher Timothy Brown. Non-firearm suicide rates remained unchanged in states with the laws.

The findings matter because firearms account for more than half of all suicide deaths in America. Unlike other methods, guns leave little room for second thoughts or medical intervention.

The Ripple Effect

Only 21 states and Washington DC have enacted ERPO laws as of February 2025, meaning more than half the country lacks this proven protection. Study co-author Yunyu Xiao from Weill Cornell Medicine sees enormous potential for expansion.

"With only 21 states currently having these protections, there is significant opportunity for other states to adopt similar legislation and save lives," Xiao said. The laws work precisely because they're targeted and temporary, not permanent bans.

Brown emphasizes the minimal intrusion these laws represent. "It's minimally intrusive and it definitely saves lives," he said, hoping the evidence will persuade lawmakers in other states to act.

Resistance typically comes from concerns about constitutional rights, but advocates argue the temporary nature of the orders balances individual freedoms with community safety. The orders expire after a set period unless renewed through additional court proceedings.

Mark Kaplan, a co-author from UCLA, believes the evidence should shift the conversation. "It's time to prioritize community safety by adopting these vital protections," he said.

The study focused on four states over multiple years, tracking suicide rates before and after law implementation. The consistency of the results across different states strengthened the researchers' confidence that ERPO laws directly caused the reduction in firearm deaths.

With 675 lives already saved in just four states during their first implementation years, nationwide adoption could prevent thousands more Americans from dying by suicide during their darkest moments.