Understanding the Risks Behind Red Flag Laws

In the current political climate, few topics stir up more polarized debate than the Second Amendment. As proud supporters of our constitutional right to bear arms, we at Fortress Firearms Training believe it’s more critical than ever to examine so-called “common sense” gun control measures with a skeptical eye. One of the most controversial policies to emerge in recent years is the implementation of red flag laws. Despite being championed by certain progressives and moderates, these laws have gaping flaws that put law-abiding gun owners at risk.

That’s why we take note when a Democrat like Maine Governor Janet Mills defies her party’s orthodoxy. Her prudent and constitutionally conscious position on red flag laws signals rare political courage. Mills’ stance should not only be commended—it should be replicated. While many politicians seem eager to limit Second Amendment rights, she’s standing firm on protecting due process, civil liberties, and responsible gun ownership.

Red Flag Laws: A Backdoor Threat to Due Process

Red flag laws—also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)—allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. At surface level, this may sound reasonable. The problem lies in how these laws are often constructed and executed. They invite the suspension of fundamental rights without the necessary legal safeguards, stripping citizens of liberty based on accusations, not crimes.

What makes red flag laws so dangerous?

• Absence of Due Process: In many states, red flag orders can be issued ex parte, meaning the accused isn’t even present during the hearing. They don’t have a chance to defend themselves before their rights are stripped away.
• Subjective Criteria: What constitutes a “threat” is often open to interpretation. Emotionally charged disputes—such as divorces or family conflicts—can lead to these orders being weaponized.
• Lack of Mental Health Follow-Up: Removal of firearms is often the endgame for supporters of these laws, not real intervention. Mental health treatment isn’t mandatory or properly included in most red flag scenarios.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we teach responsible gun ownership, safety protocols, and conflict de-escalation. Red flag laws bypass all of that with the stroke of a judge’s pen—regardless of your training, history, or intention.

Janet Mills: A Democrat Who Breaks the Mold

In a political party increasingly committed to sweeping gun control, Janet Mills broke ranks when she refused to endorse a red flag law in Maine. Instead, she supported a compromise version—where law enforcement and mental health professionals are given tools to assess and intervene in potentially dangerous situations without trampling Constitutional protections.

According to the Portland Press Herald, Governor Mills listened to experts who testified against the traditional red flag framework. She recognized that due process must be preserved, and that more gun control cannot be the lazy default solution to complex societal problems.

This is not about ignoring the real challenge of mental health crises or gun-related violence. Rather, it’s about making sure that solutions don’t sacrifice the rights of the very people they claim to protect. By choosing a law rooted in protective custody law—where a judge can order someone into mental health treatment rather than simply stealing their firearms—Mills demonstrated leadership and principle rare in modern politics.

The Problem with Eroding Freedoms “For Safety”

History shows us that whenever governments curtail freedoms in the name of public safety, those decisions often lead to deeper injustices later. Red flag laws, in states where they are aggressively implemented, set a dangerous precedent:

• Constitutional rights become conditional on a single complaint or a judge’s opinion.
• Gun owners are vilified as threats rather than responsible defenders of their homes and families.
• Law enforcement is burdened with executing orders that may disproportionately target certain groups without enough evidence or consideration.

There’s also no established proof that these policies significantly reduce crime or suicides. If anything, they risk further alienating at-risk individuals by turning them into government targets rather than recipients of support.

As firearms instructors, veterans, and above all, defenders of liberty, we understand the sacred balance between safety and freedom. Red flag laws shift that balance dangerously toward an almost surveillance-state paradigm, where presumptions of guilt overrule the presumption of innocence.

Why Firearms Training Is More Vital Than Ever

The ongoing battle over red flag laws highlights a broader truth: responsible firearms training is not just about safety—it’s about defending your rights. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, our mission is to ensure that every law-abiding citizen who chooses to exercise their Second Amendment right does so with confidence, skill, and legal awareness.

When politicians lean left and call for bans, restrictions, and emergency seizures, trained citizens become the front line of defense—not only against threats to their families but to their constitutional rights as well.

Why choose Fortress Firearms Training?

• Certified & Experienced Instructors: With real-world experience in military and law enforcement, our instructors bring both precision and perspective.
• Constitutional Advocacy: We don’t just train—we educate about your rights as defined by the U.S. Constitution and South Carolina law.
• Tailored Courses: We offer training for every level—from first-time shooters to advanced tactical applications.

Freedom Requires Vigilance

Janet Mills’ position on red flag laws may come as a surprise, especially to those quick to label every Democrat as anti-gun. Yet her decision stands as a model of rational governance that evaluates the actual outcomes of legislation instead of yielding to political theatrics. More lawmakers—Left or Right—should take note.

As a firearms training provider and constitutional advocate, Fortress Firearms Training believes the equation is clear: liberty must never be the cost of perceived safety. True safety comes from education, preparation, and unwavering defense of our inalienable rights. We applaud those who understand this fundamental truth and reject knee-jerk restrictions disguised as solutions.

For those who are ready to take responsibility for their own safety—and their freedom—we welcome you to train with us. Visit Fortress Firearms Training to book your course and stand firm in defense of the Second Amendment.