Good story, but the ending could have been quite different.
Florida has had a law called 'The Baker Act' since 1971 that allows LE to take persons that 'they' deem might be a 'threat to themselves or others' into custody for psychological evaluation and their firearms seized. Although the 'evaluation period' is supposed to be limited to 72 hours; the clock can get reset as they move persons from one facility to another, or are deemed to require further evaluation. Especially those persons that have good insurance coverage. The stories abound of 'miraculous recoveries' when insurance runs out.
The recent Parkland FL school shootings prompted FL legislators to include The Baker Act in new 'gun control' laws enacted under SB 7026.
It was originally conceived in 1971 to help protect the mentally ill. However, it has evolved more and more into a tool of LE.
I'm not saying that there aren't situations where 'Baker Acting' someone is beneficial.
My concern is the lack of due process in Florida's Baker Act. Custody and seizure of property can be exercised on hearsay; and continued custody and seizure is determined by a shrink, not a Judge or Jury of Peers. It's a slippery slope.
As the OP suggests; until there's some legal due process safeguards to prevent good lawful people being run through the wringer; one must be extremely careful about statements, or how one responds to health questions. Especially if you're grieving or struggling with a serious illness.........or have a spiteful neighbor.
The effect of making 'bump stocks' illegal or having long guns follow the same age limits or procedures as handguns, pales in comparison to the potential effect of expansion of 'The Baker Act'.
