Firearms History And Collecting
Maine voters approve red flag gun law after mass shooting that killed 18
Maine voters approve red flag gun law after mass shooting that killed 18
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Portland, Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Two years after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, Maine residents voted on whether to make it easier for family members to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous persons access to guns. On November 5, 2025, a ballot question was presented, asking residents if they wanted to enhance the states existing yellow flag law, which permits police officers to initiate a process to limit an individual from accessing firearms. The law's approval adds Maine to over 20 states that have embraced red flag laws, empowering family members to take similar actions against individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others. The push for the red flag law was fueled after a horrific incident last October, when 18 people lost their lives due to an Army reservist who opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston. In the wake of this tragedy, an independent commission, appointed by Governor Janet Mills, found several missed opportunities for intervention by both military and civilian authorities, prompting gun safety advocates to rally for a more robust legal framework that supports timely action against potentially dangerous individuals. Gun control supporters highlighted the inadequacies of Maine's yellow flag law, which requires law enforcement officers to take a potentially dangerous person into protective custody for a mental health evaluation. They argued that this process is cumbersome and often ineffective, delaying critical action. A poignant ad campaign for the red flag law featured Arthur Barnard, the father of one of the victims of the Lewiston shooting, who expressed that a stronger law could have saved his sons life. "People who are having a mental health crisis need help, not easy access to guns, Barnard stated in the ad, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative change. The ad urged voters to approve the measure with the statement, Vote Yes on 2 to change that. However, the proposed red flag law faced considerable opposition. Many Republicans, hunting groups, and gun rights organizations expressed their concerns, arguing that Maine has a longstanding tradition of gun ownership supported by relatively low crime rates. They posited that the state's laws should reflect this heritage rather than impose new restrictions that some view as unnecessary. Governor Janet Mills voiced her opposition to the ballot initiative as well, asserting that Maines existing yellow flag law was crafted with careful consideration and remains suitable for the state's needs. Mills argued that the new law could complicate legal processes, potentially undermining public safety and the integrity of the initial measure. The heated debate surrounding gun laws in Maine comes amid ongoing litigation from survivors and families of victims seeking justice from the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. They argue that systemic failures allowed the shooter to possess firearms despite known mental health struggles. A Department of Defense report also pointed to broader issues related to the militarys reporting on violent threats from servicemen, indicating a troubling culture that may contribute to future incidents if left unaddressed. As the landscape of gun legislation shifts in Maine and beyond, advocates for both sides are gearing up for a prolonged fight over how best to balance public safety and gun rights. The implications of this red flag law extend beyond political debates; it raises critical questions about the effectiveness of mental health interventions and the ways in which communities address potential threats.