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FACT BRIEF

Does Tim Michels oppose 'red flag' laws?

By Erin Gretzinger
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YES

In a July interview, Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels said he opposes red flag laws. Also known as risk-based gun removal legislation, red flag laws allow police to petition a court to temporarily take away firearms from individuals considered a threat to themselves or others. 

In response to a question about legislation passed under the Biden administration that provides funding for states to implement red flag laws, Michels said such laws "won’t happen here in Wisconsin" if he is elected governor.

Shortly after the interview, Michels affirmed his position at a Republican gubernatorial primary debate, saying such laws make it too easy to revoke a person's gun rights.

"Red flag laws are not the answer," Michels said. "We all are entitled to due process and to have representation."

According to Pew, "Many law enforcement officials, public health researchers and legislators think these laws prevent gun deaths by allowing people to act on early warning signs."

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
iHeart VMS Highlights - Tim Michels On Red Flag Laws - The Vicki McKenna Show
New York Times What Are ‘Red Flag’ Gun Laws, and How Do They Work?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin Republican governor candidate Tim Michels signals he would increase police funding, but won't increase taxes
YouTube 2022 Wisconsin governor Republican primary debate: Full recording
Pew Red Flag Laws Are Saving Lives. They Could Save More.
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.