Maine Takes Steps Towards Gun Safety Measures after Mass Shooting Tragedy

In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in Maine's history, lawmakers in the state have voted to enact comprehensive gun safety measures aimed at preventing such tragic incidents in the future. The legislation, approved on Thursday, includes stronger background checks on private gun sales and criminalizes providing firearms to individuals who are not eligible to possess them.

The bill, which was supported by Democratic Governor Janet Mills, also includes funding for a mental health crisis center in Lewiston. The center aims to provide support and resources to individuals struggling with mental health issues, such as Army reservist Robert Card, who went on a deadly shooting spree on October 25th, targeting a bowling alley and a bar.

These gun safety measures were enacted just hours after the Maine Senate agreed to implement a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases. Additionally, Governor Mills will review another bill that proposes a ban on bump stocks, an accessory that can increase a semi-automatic firearm's rate of fire.

Nacole Palmer, the executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, commended the actions taken by lawmakers as "significant steps" towards ensuring the safety of citizens. However, not all individuals impacted by Card's shooting spree are convinced that these measures will effectively prevent similar incidents. Ben Dyer, who was shot five times that night, expressed skepticism, stating that he believes rigid gun control laws mainly hurt law-abiding gun owners.

It was revealed that Card had a history of mental illness and had been institutionalized prior to the shooting. He claimed to have "heard voices" before opening fire on innocent civilians in Lewiston, the state's second-largest city. Maine currently has yellow flag laws that allow police to request courts to assess an individual's fitness to possess a firearm. However, attempts to pass a red flag law, which would enable family members to directly petition a judge with concerns about a loved one's access to firearms, have not been successful.

Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist with 20 years of military experience, had never been deployed, according to officials. He took his own life shortly after carrying out the shooting rampage using a Ruger SFAR semi-automatic rifle at Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant.

With the passage of these gun safety measures, Maine aims to create a safer environment and prevent future tragedies. However, the debate surrounding gun control and its impact on the rights of law-abiding gun owners continues to divide opinions among Maine residents and legislators.