Why Maine’s Lack of a Red Flag Law Contributed to a Devastating Mass Shooting

Maine is unfortunately one of the states in the U.S. without a red flag law, which could have potentially prevented the devastating mass shooting that occurred on Wednesday. This incident resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left 13 others injured.

A man named Robert Card, who happens to be a U.S. Army Reservist, allegedly used an AR-15-style gun to carry out this horrific act in Lewiston, Maine. The state’s lenient gun laws have come under scrutiny as a major concern.

Although Maine does have a yellow flag law, it differs from a red flag law in that it does not empower family members to directly request a judge’s order to confiscate someone’s firearms and prevent them from purchasing more.

In this particular case, only law enforcement officers are authorized to make such a request.

Maine is also a permitless carry state with a less robust background check system. It has not implemented a ban on the purchase of assault-style weapons, like the one allegedly used by Card at the bowling alley where a youth league was competing.

As previously reported, authorities have revealed that Card is a trained firearms instructor with two decades of military experience. He had recently expressed hearing disturbing voices and even made threats to carry out a shooting at the National Guard Base in Saco, ME.

Additionally, there are reports suggesting that Card was admitted to a mental institution earlier this summer but was subsequently released.

The tragic incident has raised questions about how Card was able to possess firearms despite his documented mental health issues. Many advocate for the implementation of a red flag law, which could have potentially prevented this heartbreaking event.