The Threat: Red Flag Laws in America
Red Flag Gun Confiscation laws have become one of the most controversial and hotly debated topics in recent years. Despite being presented as a means to “enhance public safety,” these laws ultimately infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens by allowing the government to confiscate firearms without due process.
At the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), we’ve been outspoken critics of these laws, highlighting how they undermine the Second Amendment. But the reality is even more shocking: Red States, often seen as the bulwark of gun rights, are among the biggest proponents of these unconstitutional measures, many of them taking millions of dollars to implement these unconstitutional schemes.
A Federal Cash Grab: The Biden Administration’s Bribery Scheme
One of the most concerning developments has been the influx of federal funds to support Red Flag laws. The $750 million allocated through the Biden-era Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has been described as a taxpayer-funded handout to states willing to impose gun confiscation measures.
This isn’t about safety. It’s about bribery. States are cashing in on these funds, enabling the implementation of laws that strip citizens of their right to bear arms without a fair trial. The Biden Administration, without hesitation, handed out checks, and states that claim to protect gun rights gladly accepted them.
Watch our detailed video breakdown here:
John Cornyn: A Senator’s Betrayal of Gun Owners
Republican Texas Senator John Cornyn played a pivotal role in making this funding law. His work on the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act set the stage for this $750 million gun control initiative. Instead of standing firm against gun confiscation, Cornyn caved to political pressure and sold out gun owners across the country. Texas, the largest red state, is now the most significant recipient of Red Flag funding, with over $33 million received. This betrayal of gun rights in a conservative stronghold is unacceptable, and NAGR will not let it go unchallenged.
Red Flag Laws: A Direct Attack on Due Process
Despite attempts to frame these laws as protective measures, the fundamental issue remains: Red Flag laws allow for firearms to be seized without due process. Under these laws, an anonymous complaint can trigger a hearing without the gun owner’s knowledge or presence, leading to the confiscation of legally owned firearms.
Only after hiring a lawyer—often at significant personal cost—can individuals even attempt to restore their rights. This bureaucratic nightmare is not just a theoretical problem; countless cases demonstrate how these laws are ripe for abuse. In fact, 9News reports that nearly 70% of “Red Flag” petitions filed by citizens in Colorado are faulty.
The Worst Offenders: Red States Taking Federal Money
Many states that claim to defend gun rights are cashing in on Red Flag funding. Louisiana, despite not having a Red Flag law, has accepted over $7 million, with Senator Bill Cassidy voting for the bill. South Carolina took over $7.3 million, thanks to Senator Lindsay Graham’s support. Indiana, which passed a Red Flag law back in 2005, has taken in over $8 million. Despite proving over two decades that these laws don’t work, Senator Todd Young still backed this funding.
Missouri, a state that passed the Second Amendment Preservation Act in 2021, shockingly took $8.5 million, seemingly in violation of its own law. Arizona, now leaning more blue, accepted nearly $9.6 million. Tennessee, under Governor Bill Lee, took over $10.6 million, a disgrace given the state’s strong pro-gun identity. Georgia, which had attempted to penalize law enforcement for using federal Red Flag programs, took nearly $12 million after the bill to block it failed. Ohio, under Governor DeWine, took nearly $12 million, with no serious pushback from state lawmakers.
Florida’s acceptance of over $15 million in Red Flag funding is a direct result of former Governor Rick Scott’s 2018 bill signing. While Governor DeSantis has pushed back against these laws, the damage from his predecessor remains.
Finally, Texas took the most at over $33 million. Cornyn’s actions have been the biggest betrayal of all, as he used his position to push for the very funding that allowed his home state to lead in gun confiscation funding. This should be a wake-up call for every conservative voter in Texas and across the nation.
Why Are States Accepting This Money?
The answer lies in the nature of federal grants and political maneuvering. While state leaders may express support for the Second Amendment, the allure of federal dollars often proves irresistible. This hypocrisy not only betrays gun owners but also sets a dangerous precedent for future gun control measures.
The Fight Continues: Defunding Red Flag Laws
As we approach budget discussions in Congress, one of the biggest tests for Republicans will be whether they have the resolve to defund these grant programs. We at NAGR are committed to holding lawmakers accountable and ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to trample on fundamental rights.
If you believe in protecting the Second Amendment and opposing Red Flag Gun Confiscation, join us in this fight. Sign our petition and make your voice heard. Together, we can stop this unconstitutional overreach and protect our right to keep and bear arms.
Take action now: Sign the Petition to Stop Red Flag Gun Confiscation
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About the Author
Taylor Rhodes is the Director of Communications at the National Association for Gun Rights. A seasoned political strategist and unapologetic defender of the Second Amendment, Taylor has led high-impact campaigns at both the state and national levels. He lives in Hoover, Alabama, with his wife, Madison, and enjoys bourbon, golf, and collecting firearms—especially his 12.5” Geissele Super Duty.
