PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine residents are participating in a statewide vote to determine if family members should have enhanced rights to petition courts for the restriction of potentially dangerous individuals' access to firearms. This ballot measure follows the state’s tragic history, having witnessed the deadliest mass shooting in its history just two years prior.
The proposed law seeks to fortify Maine's existing yellow flag law, which currently permits police officers to initiate protective measures against individuals deemed a threat. If passed, Maine will join over 20 other states with similar red flag laws empowering family members to request court-sanctioned gun prohibitions.
In light of the shocking events of October 2023, where 18 individuals lost their lives due to a mass shooting perpetrated by an Army reservist who opened fire in Lewiston, advocates for gun safety have intensified their efforts to reform gun laws. An independent commission, appointed by the governor, revealed that there were multiple instances when intervention could have been made by both military and civilian authorities.
Though the existing yellow flag law exists, law enforcement agencies have reported difficulties in utilizing it effectively, describing the process as burdensome and time-consuming.
A prominent campaign supporting the new red flag law ad showcases Arthur Barnard, whose son was killed in the Lewiston shooting, stating, “People who are having a mental health crisis need help, not easy access to guns.” He emphasizes the need for stronger laws to prevent future tragedies.
However, the proposed measures face pushback from various groups, including Republican lawmakers, hunting organizations, and some Democrats who argue that the current laws are adequate and that Maine, with its low crime rate and culture of gun ownership, should maintain its present policies.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has publicly opposed the new proposal, suggesting that it complicates the legal framework further. She believes that the current yellow flag law should remain the state's foundational approach to gun safety.
The calls for change are underscored by ongoing legal actions from survivors and families affected by the Lewiston shooting, who are suing the U.S. Army for failing to act against the shooter, who displayed clear signs of mental instability prior to the incident.
As the vote approaches, the question of gun control in Maine continues to ignite passionate debate throughout the state, leaving residents divided over how best to navigate the murky waters of safety, rights, and intervention.
