On the anniversary of the Michigan State University shooting, new data reveals the success of Michigan’s Red Flag law in preventing potential tragedies.
New Michigan ERPO Report Highlights Effectiveness of Gun Violence Prevention Law
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, passed in the wake of the Michigan State University shooting, has proven to be an essential tool for preventing gun violence, according to new data released by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office.
The report, published on February 13, 2025, marks the law’s first full year in effect and highlights how courts and law enforcement agencies are using ERPOs to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed at risk of harming themselves or others.
The release of this data coincides with the two-year anniversary of the mass shooting at MSU, which left three students dead and five others critically injured. The tragedy sparked legislative action, leading to the passage of Michigan’s ERPO law, commonly known as a “Red Flag” law, which took effect on February 13, 2024.
Key Findings: ERPOs Are Being Used Effectively and Responsibly
The report provides insight into how Michigan’s courts and law enforcement agencies have implemented ERPOs:
- 391 ERPO complaints were filed in the law’s first year, indicating that the law is addressing a real need in communities across the state.
- Judges are carefully reviewing cases—84 ERPO petitions were denied, demonstrating that the system is not granting orders without due process.
- No cases of false statements have been reported in ERPO petitions, countering concerns that the law would be misused.
- No violations of ERPO orders have been recorded, meaning that individuals subject to these orders are complying with court mandates.
According to Chelsea Parsons, senior director of implementation at Everytown for Gun Safety, the data confirms that ERPOs are playing a critical role in preventing gun violence in Michigan.
“The Extreme Risk Protection Order data from the first year prove that this law is meeting a clear need in Michigan and individuals around the state are turning to this tool to help protect their families and communities from tragedy,” Parsons said.
Michigan Joins a National Movement on ERPO Laws
Michigan is now one of 21 states, plus Washington, D.C., that have enacted ERPO laws. These measures gained national attention after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, prompting Florida’s then-Governor Rick Scott and a Republican-led legislature to pass a Red Flag law.
Since then, more than half of the U.S. population has come under the protection of similar laws. These policies help fill a gap in federal firearm restrictions, which only prohibit individuals from possessing guns under certain circumstances, such as a felony conviction or a domestic violence restraining order.
However, ERPOs allow courts to intervene before a tragedy occurs by temporarily restricting gun access for individuals who exhibit warning signs of violence or suicide but do not yet meet the federal threshold for firearm restrictions.
ERPO Laws and Michigan’s Gun Violence Crisis
Gun violence remains a serious public health issue in Michigan. According to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety:
- 1,412 people die from gun violence in Michigan each year.
- 2,983 individuals are wounded by firearms annually.
- 115 children and teens die from gun-related incidents each year, with two-thirds of these deaths classified as homicides.
- Gun violence costs Michigan $16.8 billion per year, with taxpayers footing an estimated $380.5 million of that total.
Despite the effectiveness of ERPOs, implementation varies widely by jurisdiction. Public education, training for law enforcement, and judicial awareness remain critical factors in ensuring ERPOs are fully utilized to save lives.
Expanding ERPO Awareness and Implementation
Organizations like Everytown Support Fund and the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions have worked to develop best practices for implementing ERPO laws. Their guide offers detailed recommendations for states and local governments on improving awareness, accessibility, and enforcement of Red Flag laws.
Additionally, Everytown’s Implementation Center provides support to states and localities looking to refine their ERPO policies, ensuring that law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and courts apply these laws effectively and equitably.
A recent study conducted by Everytown researchers featured interviews with ERPO champions—including law enforcement officials and legal professionals—from both urban and rural areas across the country. Their insights shed light on best practices, common challenges, and strategies for expanding ERPO use in different communities.
What’s Next for ERPOs in Michigan?
While Michigan’s first-year data on ERPOs is promising, advocates stress the need for continued training, outreach, and legal support to ensure the law reaches those who need it most.
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office is expected to continue tracking ERPO filings and outcomes, offering more comprehensive analysis as the program matures. Lawmakers and gun safety advocates hope that public awareness campaigns will help ensure more families, mental health professionals, and law enforcement officers are aware of the ERPO process and how to use it effectively.
As Michigan reflects on the anniversaries of the MSU and Parkland shootings, policymakers continue to emphasize that ERPO laws represent a proactive approach to gun violence prevention.
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