Maine Votes on Life-Saving Gun Law After Tragic Shooting

Tue Nov 04 2025 18:51:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following the deadliest mass shooting in Maine's history, residents are deciding whether to strengthen gun access restrictions for those deemed dangerous.

In the wake of a tragic mass shooting that claimed 18 lives in Lewiston, Maine, voters are casting their ballots on a critical measure aimed at expanding the state's red flag law. If passed, the law would allow family members to petition courts to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals showing signs of danger. Advocates for the law argue it could prevent further tragedies, as many feel the existing yellow flag law is inadequate and hard to enforce. The proposal has sparked significant debate, with opponents raising concerns about the state's low crime rates and lawful gun ownership.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Two years after the deadliest mass shooting in the state's history, Maine residents are voting on whether to make it easier for family members to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous person's access to guns.

A statewide ballot question is set for Tuesday, aiming to build on Maine's existing yellow flag law, which allows police to initiate a process to prevent someone from possessing firearms. If approved, Maine will join over 20 other states with red flag laws empowering family members to also seek these measures.

This initiative gained traction after an Army reservist killed 18 people in Lewiston in October 2023. An independent commission concluded that there were several missed opportunities for intervention by both military and law enforcement officials.

Gun safety advocates are urging a stricter law, highlighting that the current yellow flag law is cumbersome and challenging for law enforcement to utilize effectively.

During an ad campaign supporting the red flag law, Arthur Barnard, who lost his son in the Lewiston shooting, expressed his belief that a stronger law could have saved his son's life. He emphasized the need for mental health support rather than easy access to firearms.

However, the proposal faces opposition from gun rights advocates and many lawmakers who argue that the state's low crime rates reflect responsible gun ownership. Maine Governor Janet Mills has publicly opposed the measure, endorsing the existing yellow flag law as suitable for Maine.

As the legal aftermath of the Lewiston shooting continues, victims' families are pursuing lawsuits against the U.S. Army, seeking accountability for the lack of action that enabled the tragedy.