Study: Red Flag Laws Linked to Fewer Firearm Suicides

Researchers find Extreme Risk Protection Order laws may significantly reduce firearm suicides without increasing other suicide methods.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A new study suggests that Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, also known as red flag laws, may significantly reduce firearm suicides without leading to increases in suicides by other methods. The study analyzed U.S. county-level suicide data, focusing on states that enacted ERPO laws without simultaneously passing other firearm legislation, and found that ERPO laws were associated with an estimated 675 fewer firearm suicides.

Why it matters

Red flag laws are a controversial but potentially effective tool in addressing the public health crisis of suicide. This study provides evidence that these laws can save lives without unintended consequences, which could inform policy debates and encourage more states to adopt similar measures.

The details

Researchers compared outcomes in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico and Rhode Island, which passed ERPO laws, with eight states that did not pass such laws during the same period. The findings showed ERPO laws were associated with an estimated 675 fewer firearm suicides, and researchers found no measurable increase in non-firearm suicides, suggesting the laws did not lead individuals to substitute other methods.

  • The study analyzed U.S. county-level suicide data from an unspecified time period.

The players

Dr. Timothy T. Brown

Associate Research Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, and lead author of the study.

New York State

Passed red flag laws in 2019 and subsequently strengthened them in 2022.

Erie County Police

Have filed at least three ERPOs this week for suicidal individuals.

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What they’re saying

“ERPOs are temporary, targeted interventions used during moments of crisis. Our results show they reduce suicide deaths without unintended consequences and that these laws are very effective.”

— Dr. Timothy T. Brown, Associate Research Professor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This study provides important evidence that red flag laws can save lives by reducing firearm suicides without leading to increases in other suicide methods, which could inform policy debates and encourage more states to adopt similar measures to address the public health crisis of suicide.