Legislation that temporarily restricts people considered to be dangerous from having a gun is often referred to as a “red flag” law. But Michigan State University’s April Zeoli said this term is not helpful, because it “brings up the image of someone with a mental illness.” People with mental illness account for a very small portion of gun violence, according to studies reviewed by the American Psychological Association, and people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of gun violence than the perpetrators.
“It’s about violent behaviors,” Zeoli said. “A history of committing violence is what makes you dangerous and a danger to others in the future, not mental illness.” Zeoli joined PBS NewsHour’s William Brangham and My Sister’s House CEO Tosha Connors on Tuesday, June 15 to discuss the connection between guns, violence, and domestic violence.
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