Eaton County Prosecutor splits from AG nominee on red flag laws

Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, the Republican nominee for Michigan attorney general, has raised due process concerns about the state’s red flag laws, creating a distinct policy divide with Democratic nominee Eli Savit. Lloyd, who has signed warrants to enforce the laws during his tenure as county prosecutor, stated on his campaign page that he would work to repeal them and replace them with approaches that better respect constitutional rights.

Savit, who testified in favor of the laws when they passed in 2023, defended the statutes during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. He argued that the laws have been used fairly by courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, noting that judges deny orders when evidence is insufficient. Savit pledged to defend the laws if elected and to work with lawmakers to expand public education about them.

The red flag laws, which allow courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders, resulted in 407 issued orders out of 514 requests in 2025. State Rep. Kelly Breen, a sponsor of the legislation, said the tool is being used effectively to resolve crises and prevent suicide, while State Sen. Stephanie Chang highlighted its role in protecting victims of domestic violence.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.