AUGUSTA, Maine – Graceful moments of silence and moving tributes marked the return of Maine lawmakers to the State House for the new legislative session, the first session since the tragic Lewiston mass shooting.
Before the Senate and House convened, a strong display of support for more stringent gun safety laws took place inside the State House, with hundreds of Mainers in attendance. The Maine Gun Safety Coalition distributed over 700 orange ribbons, which symbolize gun violence prevention, during the press conference.
Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the large turnout, emphasizing the urgent need to pass gun safety laws. Speakers included individuals like Arthur Barnard, who tragically lost his son Arthur Strout in the Lewiston mass shooting. Barnard called for a balance in the debate over proposed gun laws this session, stressing the nation’s need for more thoughtful legislation.
At the rally, other Maine gun organizations argued for stronger enforcement of existing gun laws instead of proposing new ones. Laura Whitcomb, president of Gun Owners of Maine, highlighted the need for better mental health access and addressed concerns over the definition of assault weapons.
Republican State Representative Donald Ardell emphasized the importance of upholding the rights of Maine citizens within the framework of the constitution. He and other legislators await the findings of the independent commission investigating the Lewiston mass shooting.
Democratic Rep. Vicki Doudera stressed the significance of addressing gun violence beyond preventing future tragic events, acknowledging the high incidence of gun use in suicides and domestic violence incidents in Maine.
Republican Representative John Andrews mentioned his proposed legislation for a ‘yellow alert system,’ comparable to an Amber Alert, to prevent individuals from purchasing guns if they trigger a statewide alert.
The aftermath of recent mass shootings has intensified the urgency for gun safety legislation in Maine. The conversation surrounding these laws extends beyond preventing future tragedies and aims to address the complex issue of gun violence, seeking a safer state for all.