'Prevent Gun Tragedies' Aim Of New Signs On Fairfax Connector Buses

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County officials gathered outside of the government center Tuesday morning as part of the county's campaign to raise awareness of the Virginia's red flag law.

"We've had far too many incidents of gun violence in Fairfax County, in Virginia and across the nation, dealing specifically with with domestic violence and other crimes where guns were too readily available to people who shouldn't have guns in their hands," said Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay, during Tuesday's news conference.

Virginia's emergency substantial risk order law, commonly referred to as a “red flag” law, allows the Fairfax County Police Department to investigate and seek a court order to temporarily remove guns from people who have been determined an imminent danger to themselves or others.

Last week, the county installed "Speak Up To Prevent A Gun Tragedy" signs on all 334 Connector buses. About 30,000 riders use Connector buses every day, according to a transportation official.

McKay explained that aim of the campaign was to make as many people aware of the red flag law as possible, so that they will report at-risk individuals they may know to police.

"All of our Fairfax Connector buses that travel all over the county, spreading the message about this new law in Virginia, and what people can do to take advantage of it and potentially save a life," he said.

Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, chairman of the board's public safety committee, introduced a board matter in December calling for a campaign to raise awareness of the red flag law among Fairfax County residents.

"It is a great tool in the toolbox to have," he said, on Tuesday. "It's not a silver silver bullet by any means. That's why I still press on other things like ghost gun legislation, assault rifle bans. Obviously, it's not perfect. Any legislation like this is an iterative process, but I know that this law has made our community much safer."

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'Red Flag' Law: Fairfax County Officials Urge Public To Speak Up