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September 7th shooting in Laurel County brings to light several issues in the Commonwealth

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State leaders are calling for more proactive measures following the interstate shooting in Laurel County on September 7. Governor Andy Beshear said law enforcement acted quickly and efficiently once the shooting occurred, but stopping these acts from happening in the future should be a point of focus.

The governor said one solution may come in the form of improved preventative measures like Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

“Florida has a Red Flag Law. This isn't a blue state law. It's just one where we trust our courts to protect peoples Second Amendment, but to step in before someone is murdered. And we trust our courts with the custody of our children. Certainly, we ought to be able to trust our courts in this situation where law enforcement presents evidence that something really violent is about to happen,” Beshear said.

White House officials define “Red Flag Laws” as orders that allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily limit gun access for people in crisis, especially if they are a danger to themselves or others. Many school systems in the Commonwealth received threats last week following a school shooting in Georgia. Beshear said a “Red Flag Law” may not have stopped all the threats but could have stopped some of them.

The Laurel County shooting and subsequent school closings also brought up broadband concerns. Beshear said the ability of schools to go virtual quickly in these situations is key to ensuring safety. However, he added many students lack internet access at home, so teachers must take time to print and repackage curriculum, instead of doing all lessons virtually. The governor said though there is funding for the state’s “Internet for All” initiative, the release is being stalled.

“We have over a billion dollars sitting in the bank account right now from the federal government, from the ‘BEAD’ program, but we have yet to be authorized to put it into the ground. I'm grateful for this money. It has been two years since the bill was signed and it's time to get that final approval so that we can move forward,” said Beshear.

The initiative is funded through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program. Beshear said once internet access is secured schools will be able to more easily switch to at home learning during severe weather or threats.