OHIO, USA — A local lawmaker said it's time to do something to bring an end to mass shootings and she's introduced legislation she believes can prevent the next mass shooting.
Gun safety advocates met with State Rep. Michele Grim (D, Toledo) Monday to discuss a proposed bill that could create a 180-day gun restriction for anyone who is deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Gun-safety advocate Erin Kramer said she wants her community to wake up and stay involved. She said mass shootings such as the one that happened in a Maine bowling alley and restaurant last Wednesday are reminders that this can happen anywhere.
"Seeing all of the shootings that have happened in our country, it really made me want to do something but now it's not so surprising anymore," Kramer said. "It used to be shocking and very surprising."
She said since joining Moms Demand Action five years ago, she has fought for safety measures to prevent gun violence, including supporting initiatives like the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act that was introduced by Grim back in May.
If passed, the bill would establish a legal process for temporarily removing firearms from the possession of people who present an imminent threat to themselves or others.
Grim said it could have prevented the mass shooting in Maine.
"This is the biggest shooting that Maine has seen in I think its history with 18 people killed," Grim said. "The perpetrator had many red flags. They were worried that he was going to commit a mass shooting just last month."
Grimm said although initiatives like her Extreme Risk Act have failed to pass before, it's worth trying again.
Kramer said she hopes to hear more about this law and others that could bring peace to Ohioans and their families.
"You know in our country we should all feel safe, in our communities and somewhere like a bowling alley," Kramer said. "We should be able to just go there and have a good time and not be worried that someone's going to come kill us with an AR-15."
WTOL 11 has reached out to several Republican state representatives to hear their stance on the Extreme Ricks Act. Some have said they will reach back out at a later date and others have not responded.
Extreme risk, or "red flag" laws, have been enacted in 21 states and in the District of Columbia.
MORE FROM WTOL: