Michigan...

Continued from page 1 protection orders, also known as a red flag law, to allow guns to be taken away from people deemed a risk to themselves and others. Gun rights advocates have countered that red flag laws fail to deliver on what advocates promised they would do and don’t get to the core of the problem.

Democrats called for similar reforms after the 2021 killing of four students at Michigan’s Oxford High School. However, Republicans who controlled the House and Senate blocked votes on the measures.

Democrats took control of the state Legislature in January for the first time in nearly four decades and have suggested they will emphasize the gunrelated policies this term.

Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-Keego Harbor, whose district included Oxford High School at the time of the 2021 shooting, said officials have been working in violence intervention programs and with stakeholders such as law enforcement, medical professionals, prosecutors and school administrators to shape legislation.

But Bayer acknowledged officials don’t have enough information yet about what transpired at MSU to say “whether any specific legislation or set of legislation would have prevented it.”

“It’s almost certainly true that if we’re going to change the trajectory here — what we’re seeing with gun violence last night and Oxford and every day in some of our communities around this state — we need legislation” with various solutions, Bayer said.

Bayer said she’s hopeful for Republican support for common sense measures and has received some indications of as much.

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, said his “heart breaks” for victims and families.

“Unfortunately, these unimaginable and irrational acts of evil have become more commonplace in our society, leaving parents and community leaders desperately searching for ways to prevent these senseless attacks on the innocent,” Nesbitt said. “It is my hope that we can come together to find and develop solutions to keep our loved ones safe.”

Attorney General Dana Nessel said the events at Michigan State Uni- versity were “a tragedy for the entire state of Michigan.”

“I want to thank everyone in law enforcement who worked to secure the campus and protect the community,” Nessel said. “I am hopeful that the investigation reveals how we can better protect our children, our neighbors and all those who call Michigan home.”