Alex Umble did a mean impression of Jack Nicholson and loved Lacrosse. Playing and coaching were his happy place. His family remembers him as a peacemaker, shy, but kind. His sister Bridget says “you couldn’t be mad at him for more than two or three minutes because he could make you laugh.”

During a crisis period, Alex created an online account at a local firearms retailer, paid with his debit card for a gun, then on Monday night drove to the store and picked up the gun, Tuesday morning he died by suicide.

An ERPO could have temporarily prevented his purchase. Family members, or law enforcement, can bring this type of civil action before a judge to start a time-limited removal and restriction to access to guns for people who may be a danger to themselves or others. There are checks and balances, and people have a chance to respond and prevent evidence. Law enforcement can also remove firearms already in the person’s possession.

ERPOs are already in use in 20 states, including Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, New York and New Jersey. Over 67,000 petitions have been filed, and hundreds of lives have been saved. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor Extreme Risk laws. Multiple studies prove that Extreme Risk laws work to prevent firearm suicide. Growing evidence also shows they can help prevent would-be mass shooters from committing violence.

By sharing Alex’s story with Pennsylvania legislators, you can help us save lives that they could not.