Maine Legislators Approve Gun Legislation Following October Mass Shooting

Maine Lawmakers Pass Gun Safety Measures in Response to Lewiston Mass Shooting

In a decisive move to address gun violence in the wake of a tragic mass shooting in Lewiston last year, Maine lawmakers have passed a series of gun safety measures aimed at preventing future tragedies. The rampage in Lewiston claimed the lives of 18 people and wounded 13 others, making it the deadliest episode of gun violence in the state’s history.

Among the measures approved by legislators is a bill that establishes a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases, expands background checks to include private sales, and bans bump stocks, devices that enable semiautomatic rifles to fire more rapidly. However, a “red flag” law that would have allowed for the removal of guns from individuals deemed mentally unwell or dangerous did not pass.

Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat who sponsored some of the legislation, is expected to sign the bills into law. Advocates for gun safety, such as Kathleen McFadden of Moms Demand Action, have praised the swift action taken by lawmakers in response to the Lewiston tragedy.

The shooting spree in Lewiston, carried out by U.S. Army reservist Robert Card, shocked the community and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing gun laws. Card, who took his own life two days after the shooting, had a history of mental health issues and access to multiple firearms.

The passage of these gun safety measures represents a significant step forward in addressing the issue of gun violence in Maine and ensuring the safety of its residents.