Pass Russell’s Law: Require mandatory psychiatric evaluations
Pass Russell’s Law: Require mandatory psychiatric evaluations
The Issue
My uncle, Russell Benoit, should still be alive today. Five days before he died by suicide, he made a clear suicidal threat involving a firearm. Police responded, removed his guns under Rhode Island’s Red Flag Law, and spoke with him. But because he appeared calm, they did not transport him for a psychiatric evaluation—despite his explicit statements about wanting to harm himself.
On the morning he died, he reached out for help again. He asked a therapist for an in-person crisis appointment but was told only a video session was available. He never received the emergency evaluation he desperately needed.
This revealed a dangerous gap in Rhode Island law:
✔️ Firearms can be removed under an ERPO,
✖️ But no mental-health evaluation is required—even when someone has made suicidal threats.
Had a mandatory psychiatric evaluation been part of the ERPO process, Russell might still be here today.
Why Russell’s Law Is Needed
Russell’s Law would require a mandatory emergency psychiatric evaluation during any Red Flag intervention involving suicidal threats or behavior. This ensures that individuals in crisis receive immediate medical attention, not just legal action.
Mental health professionals agree that early intervention is critical, and research shows that nearly 90% of people who die by suicide show signs of mental distress beforehand. Rhode Island’s current ERPO system removes firearms but does not ensure the person receives lifesaving medical assessment and care.
This is not just a policy issue—it’s a preventable tragedy.
What’s at Stake
Rhode Island has the opportunity to lead by example by strengthening its response to mental-health crises. Russell’s Law is:
- Common-sense
- Life-saving
- Non-political
- Focused on medical safety
By mandating psychiatric evaluations, we can prevent more families from experiencing the heartbreak that mine is now living with.
Call to Action
We must stand together to urge Rhode Island lawmakers to pass Russell’s Law and close this deadly loophole. By signing this petition, you are supporting a policy that would save lives and ensure that no one in a suicidal crisis is left without the help they need.
Please sign and share this petition. Your voice can drive real change—and help ensure that no more lives are lost when intervention could have saved them.
393
The Issue
My uncle, Russell Benoit, should still be alive today. Five days before he died by suicide, he made a clear suicidal threat involving a firearm. Police responded, removed his guns under Rhode Island’s Red Flag Law, and spoke with him. But because he appeared calm, they did not transport him for a psychiatric evaluation—despite his explicit statements about wanting to harm himself.
On the morning he died, he reached out for help again. He asked a therapist for an in-person crisis appointment but was told only a video session was available. He never received the emergency evaluation he desperately needed.
This revealed a dangerous gap in Rhode Island law:
✔️ Firearms can be removed under an ERPO,
✖️ But no mental-health evaluation is required—even when someone has made suicidal threats.
Had a mandatory psychiatric evaluation been part of the ERPO process, Russell might still be here today.
Why Russell’s Law Is Needed
Russell’s Law would require a mandatory emergency psychiatric evaluation during any Red Flag intervention involving suicidal threats or behavior. This ensures that individuals in crisis receive immediate medical attention, not just legal action.
Mental health professionals agree that early intervention is critical, and research shows that nearly 90% of people who die by suicide show signs of mental distress beforehand. Rhode Island’s current ERPO system removes firearms but does not ensure the person receives lifesaving medical assessment and care.
This is not just a policy issue—it’s a preventable tragedy.
What’s at Stake
Rhode Island has the opportunity to lead by example by strengthening its response to mental-health crises. Russell’s Law is:
- Common-sense
- Life-saving
- Non-political
- Focused on medical safety
By mandating psychiatric evaluations, we can prevent more families from experiencing the heartbreak that mine is now living with.
Call to Action
We must stand together to urge Rhode Island lawmakers to pass Russell’s Law and close this deadly loophole. By signing this petition, you are supporting a policy that would save lives and ensure that no one in a suicidal crisis is left without the help they need.
Please sign and share this petition. Your voice can drive real change—and help ensure that no more lives are lost when intervention could have saved them.
393
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Petition created on December 5, 2025