(NewsInsights.org) – While fewer than 40,000 people live in Lewiston, Maine, it’s still the second-largest city in the state. Situated near hiking trails and popular as a fishing destination, it was struck by tragedy in October when a gunman went on a mass-shooting spree, killing 18 people and injuring 13 more in two locations before taking his own life. In response, 45 Maine lawmakers are calling on Cabela’s (a retailer that specializes in outdoor hobbies) to stop selling AR-15 and assault-style rifles.
State Representative Lori Gramlich (D) is leading the charge. She wrote a letter to Bass Pro Shops CEO Thomas Millner. Bass Pro Shops became Cabela’s parent company after acquiring the sporting goods outlet in 2016. Citing the October shooting in Lewiston, Gramlich pleaded with Millner and General Manager of Cabela’s Tyler Avery to suspend sales of “military-style semi-automatic weapons.”
The lawmaker pointed out that customers could see “rows of military-style weapons” upon entering the store. She called the experience “a painful reminder” of the Lewiston gunman’s access to weaponry. Gramlich asked Cabela’s to “set an example” by banning assault weapons like the AR-15 in Maine as Walmart, LL Bean, and Dick’s Sporting Goods had done nationwide in 2018.
A cadre of 44 other Maine lawmakers joined Gramlich in signing the letter. They also sent a similar letter to the Kittery Trading Post, asking owners Bob and Kevin Adams to curtail sales of the assault rifles at the locally owned store.
Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, introduced legislation on Wednesday, February 21, to strengthen yellow flag laws, establish background checks for private firearms sales like the ones already established for commercial sales, deal with mental health issues by creating an Injury and Violence Prevention Program and crisis centers where people can receive help. Mills intended to maintain Maine’s robust tradition of respecting the Second Amendment but stressed the importance of enhancing public safety.
Representative Jared Golden (D-ME) opposed the new legislation, saying the expansion of yellow flag laws and background checks affecting all citizens and all firearms likely won’t prevent another tragedy. Instead, Golden suggested greater merit to conversations comparing the lethality of different types of weapons and possible restrictions on who should have access to more lethal weapons.
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