The Department of Justice announced the establishment of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center (ERPO). According to the Justice Department, the ERPO Resource Center will provide training and technical assistance to individuals responsible for implementing laws to prevent those who pose a threat from accessing firearms.
People who will receive training include law enforcement, judges and victim service providers.
The initiative aims to establish a civil process similar to domestic violence protection orders, allowing intervention to temporarily restrict firearm access for those deemed at risk of harming themselves or others.
Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the initiative, stating it will equip partners nationwide with valuable resources to prevent firearm-related tragedies.
The ERPO has already stirred controversy among some Republicans, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., calling it a “massive Red Flag Operation.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., expressed disapproval and labeled the move as “evil,” and Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., raised concerns about Second Amendment rights.
During President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address earlier in March, he reaffirmed his commitment to a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.