97Percent Releases Interactive Map Indicating Strong Support for Red Flag Laws Among Gun Owners
Findings highlight bipartisan backing for proven lifesaving intervention
LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2025): 97Percent, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce gun deaths by including gun owners in the solutions, has released a groundbreaking study revealing widespread support for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), commonly known as red flag laws, among gun owners across the country.
The study, based on a comprehensive survey of 5,100 gun-owning registered voters, demonstrates that ERPO policies enjoy strong majority support in every state, crossing traditional political and geographic divides.
Click here for the interactive, county-by-county ERPO Support Model
Click here for Executive Summary
Understanding ERPOs: A Proven Tool for Safety
ERPO laws empower courts to temporarily prevent individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others from accessing firearms. These measures have been shown to reduce gun suicides and prevent mass shootings. Unlike other gun safety policies, ERPOs allow intervention from those closest to an individual—family members and law enforcement—ensuring a proactive approach to public safety while respecting Second Amendment rights.
Key Findings
Majority Support Nationwide: Nationally, 72% of gun owners support ERPO policies, and every state has over 50% support, highlighting a strong and diverse coalition backing these laws.
Bipartisan Backing: Contrary to conventional assumptions, red and swing states—including North Carolina and West Virginia—show robust ERPO support. Even in states with numerous Second Amendment Sanctuary counties, such as Colorado and Michigan, notable backing for ERPOs persists.
Support Beyond Urban Areas: While metropolitan regions generally favor ERPOs, the study finds acceptance in suburban and rural communities as well.
A Policy Opportunity: The data underscores the potential for ERPO laws to serve as a unifying public safety measure for which lawmakers can build bipartisan consensus.
Methodology
This study is based on a nationwide survey of 5,100 registered voters who identify as gun owners, conducted in late 2024. The data was analyzed and scaled to create a nationwide model of ERPO support at both the state and county levels. The study accounts for demographic, political, and geographic variables, offering an in-depth look at how attitudes toward ERPOs vary across different communities. The interactive model allows users to explore regional trends in detail, providing valuable insights for policymakers and advocates.
Turning Research Into Action
97Percent is committed to ensuring that ERPO laws are effectively implemented. To maximize their impact, the organization is providing comprehensive training programs for law enforcement officers in states where ERPO policies have been enacted.
"Our findings reaffirm that gun owners are not monolithic in their views, and they appreciate the lifesaving benefits of ERPOs," said 97Percent’s Senior Training Specialist, Christopher Carita, a veteran law enforcement officer with expertise in both ERPOs and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management. "Implemented effectively, ERPOs are a common-sense solution that not only bridges divides but keeps communities safe, while respecting the Second Amendment, due process, and responsible gun ownership."
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