New Vermont gun laws block suspected school shooting plotter from getting gun
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New gun laws signed earlier this month by Vermont’s governor were reportedly used to block a school shooting plot suspect from gaining access to a gun.
Last Thursday, a superior court judge signed an extreme risk protection order regarding Jack Sawyer, 18, according to the Associated Press.
Sawyer allegedly created a plan for a shooting at Fair Haven Union High School and has a diary he titled “Journal of an Active Shooter.”
The court order comes after Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) last week signed into law new restrictions on gun ownership, which included new background check requirements, age restrictions on gun purchases and a ban on bump stocks.
Another bill created an extreme risk protection order, allowing courts or law enforcement to take guns away from those deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.
Scott reportedly altered his view on gun restrictions after reviewing the affidavit in the Sawyer case.
According to the AP, the state Supreme Court ruled last Wednesday that there wasn’t enough evidence for Sawyer, who did not act on his plans, to be held without bail.
Sawyer has pleaded not guilty to attempted aggravated murder, according to the AP.
Fair Haven cafe owner Mark Gutel told the AP that people are “frustrated” and “scared” following Sawyer’s bail release.
“Because that’s a serious crime, it was a serious threat — a credible threat,” he said.
The school superintendent said that additions security measures, including a swipe-card access system and an additional police presence, would be put in place.
A court hearing is planned for later this month, according to the AP.