Blumenthal Applauds $231 Million for Community Gun Violence Prevention

[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice of $231 million in federal funding to support the implementation of state red flag laws and crisis intervention court proceedings to address and reduce gun violence. The funding awarded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 will bring $2.5 million to Connecticut under a provision Blumenthal fought for to expand states’ access to support and resources for red flag laws.

“This $2.5 million to support our state’s red flag law is a major investment in keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people – as I have long advocated in championing these protections nationally. Red flag laws are imperative to preventing the scourge of gun violence that continues to ravage through our communities. This federal funding will be a critical driver to ensure states across the country, including Connecticut, have the necessary tools to keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a serious threat to themselves or to others,” Blumenthal said. “Connecticut has shown the way on common-sense gun violence prevention measures, and we know that red flag laws can save lives. Thanks to the Bipartisan Safe Communities Act, we are able to support the implementation of these laws and encourage other states to follow suit.”

While serving as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution in 2021, Blumenthal – a longtime champion of red flag laws – held a hearing highlighting these important measures. Since 2018, Blumenthal has fought to expand red flag laws with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). During the negotiations for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Blumenthal pushed for the legislative framework to provide incentives for the expanded use of Emergency Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) by individual states to be included in the bill.

Last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) also urged President Joe Biden to consider executive action to promote and strengthen existing state statutes that authorize courts to issue ERPOs. During the confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland in 2021, Blumenthal also questioned the nominee for attorney general about supporting these measures. 

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