There's new research getting attention for so called red flag laws. It’s a gun control law that permits police and family members to temporary removal firearms from someone who may danger themselves or others.
The violence prevention research program at the University of California looked at the state's extreme risk protection order.
Out of about 160 cases where guns were removed from a person who might harm themselves or someone else, 21reportedly prevented a potential mass shooting.
The team related their findings to recent mass shooters.
Suspects in Gilroy, El Paso and Parkland all made declarations of intent to harm others before the shootings.
A professor, Andrew Traver, who spent more than 30 years in federal law enforcement with the ATF and navy criminal investigative service said he is supportive of red flag laws.
“I carry a gun everyday of my life. I like guns. I like to shoot but I also understand that there's a certain segment of the population that lawfully is not entitled to bear arms or there's people that are unstable or angry or have very dangerous beliefs that should also not have access to firearms,” said Traver.
Right now, there are calls for Congress to pass a bill that would encourage all states to pass red flag laws.
Activists are hoping lawmakers study Florida's red flag law which was passed shortly after the Parkland massacre.
Since it was adopted, courts have approved about 2,500 risk protection orders.
That's nearly five every day more than any other state.
