Mohave Today

Arizona Rep. Travis Grantham has publicly criticized plans by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to propose Education Protection Orders. This action is aimed at introducing gun control measures following a recent mass shooting in Maine. "That is gonna have a really hard time in my rules committee", said Travis Grantham.

Mayes has stated her intentions on social media platform, X, saying, "At a minimum we must be able to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who threaten our schools and universities," she said. "Next session, I plan to propose legislation for Education Protection Orders that would do just that."

The proposed "red flag" laws would give judges authority to issue gun confiscation orders when an individual's behavior suggests they could pose a risk if they possess weapons. As reported by AZ Free News, Mayes plans to use these red flag laws not only against potentially threatening individuals but also those living with such individuals. Other gun control measures may be discussed in the upcoming legislative session, including background checks and bans on assault weapons.

The move was announced following the 36th mass killing of the year in the United States, as reported by Associated Press. A 40-year-old U.S. Army reservist and firearms instructor named Robert Card reportedly shot 18 people and injured many more at locations in Lewiston, Maine before killing himself with a legally acquired firearm.

Mayes' announcement met with opposition from Republican lawmakers who suggested that the red flag laws might infringe on constitutional rights. Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern warned on X platform that any attempts by Mayes to enforce such laws could lead to impeachment proceedings against her.

This comes after last week's statement from Arizona House Democrats advocating for gun safety reforms in response to the Maine shooting caused dissatisfaction among Arizona Republican lawmakers according to a House Democrats press release.