Maine’s governor introduced legislation Wednesday that would prevent dangerous people from possessing weapons and strengthen mental health services to prevent future tragedies like the Lewiston shooting that shook the state.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills called for the change in a January speech, three months after an Army Reserve soldier killed 18 people in the deadliest mass shooting in state history. The reservist had a history of mental illness and erratic behavior prior to the shooting.
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Mills said there is broad support for changes like her proposal to establish a violence prevention program at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The proposal would need support in a state with higher gun ownership rates than most of the Northeast.
“These are practical, common-sense steps from Maine that meet today’s needs while remaining true to our culture and long-standing traditions. They are a step toward meaningful progress without trampling on anyone’s rights. and will better protect public safety,” Mills said. .
One of Mills’ proposals would strengthen the state’s extreme risk protection order law. Some law enforcement officials said the state’s yellow flag law made it difficult to disarm gunman Robert Card, despite obvious warning signs. Mills said her changes would allow law enforcement to seek protective custody warrants to detain dangerous people and remove weapons.
Gov. Janet Mills speaks during a press conference after the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Democratic Governor Mills introduced the bill on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. It will prevent dangerous people from owning weapons and strengthen mental health services to prevent future tragedies like the Lewiston shooting that shook the state. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Another proposal would extend the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to advertised private sales of firearms. Yet another option is to encourage unadvertised personal sales on checks.
Mills said the proposal would create a network of crisis reception centers across the state so people in mental health crises can receive immediate care.
The governor’s supplemental budget also includes other proposals focused on crisis response and mental health. He also proposes creating a $5 million Maine Mass Violence Care Fund to cover physical and mental health costs associated with mass violence incidents that are not covered by insurance.
“Our community’s difficult healing process will continue for many years to come, so people can get the help they need when they need it,” said Democratic Rep. Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston. said.
Card was found dead of a spontaneous gunshot wound on Oct. 25 at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston.
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Card was well known to law enforcement in the months prior to the shooting, and fellow reservists told military superiors that Card was planning to “suddenly commit a mass shooting.”
