President Trump’s focus on mental health as he considers ways to curb gun violence is backed by most Americans and the issue has even prompted a California Democrat to call for a suicide warning label to be stamped on weapons.
While most Democratic presidential candidates are pushing for strong gun control measures and bans, Trump is focused on tweaking background check standards and keeping guns from mentally troubled people.
A new Gallup poll found strong support for that approach. In the survey, most, 83%, blamed the “failure of the mental health system to identify individuals who are a danger to others.”
Access to guns was third at 69%.
Surging into second in the survey, at 79%, was “the spread of extremist viewpoints on the internet.”
Meanwhile, California Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley this week introduced the “Gun Suicide Prevention Act” to address high suicide rates.
Her plan would require gun makers to include a suicide warning label.
It would read: “WARNING: IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE,” said the lawmaker.
“Our nation’s gun violence epidemic is tearing communities apart, and far too often, the debate surrounding gun safety overlooks the role that guns play in suicide,” she said in a statement.
“Oftentimes, making a connection with another person when in crisis can make all the difference in saving a life. By labeling every firearm with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, we can help provide that critical connection for people and remind those in a moment of crisis that there is always someone they can turn to for help,” she added.
Guns already have legal information and warning labels printed on them.
