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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.”

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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Erin Gretzinger joined Wisconsin Watch as a reporting intern in May 2022. She is a journalism and French major at UW-Madison and will graduate in spring 2023. Erin previously worked for the Wisconsin State Journal as a reporting intern and served as the 2021-22 editor-in-chief at The Badger Herald. She is a recipient of the Jon Wolman Scholarship, the Sigrid Schultz Scholarship and the Joseph Sicherman Award Fund for her academic and reporting work.