AUGUSTA, Maine – Lawmakers in Maine are considering new gun control bills in the wake of a deadly mass shooting that left 18 people dead. The shooting occurred just a little over a month after a deputy attempted a welfare check on the gunman, Robert Card, who had made threats against his US Army base. Despite a statewide awareness alert being issued for Card, police were unable to locate him, and the deputy did not have the authority to force his way in, according to a sheriff.
After the shooting, lawmakers are now looking into revising the state’s “yellow flag” laws, which allow local law enforcement to take someone into protective custody, order a mental health evaluation, and apply for a court order to temporarily take away guns from someone deemed to be an immediate violent threat. Legislative leaders are also in talks about updating Maine’s existing gun laws like background checks, but have not publicly revealed details.
In recent years, anti-gun violence groups in Maine have struggled to push for stronger laws, despite Democratic control of the Legislature and governor’s office. Proposals for stricter “red flag” laws have also fallen flat in the state. However, lawmakers are now thought to be trying again to introduce tougher gun control restrictions, with the Maine Gun Safety Coalition attempting to ban assault weapons in the state.
On Wednesday, lawmakers in Maine took time to acknowledge the victims of the mass shooting in both the Senate and House chambers. Meanwhile, Second Amendment supporters gathered at rallies, expressing skepticism that lawmakers can do anything to prevent gun violence. With reporting by Associated Press.