News

Lawsuit Filed Against Maine’s 3-Day Waiting Period for Guns

Lawsuit Filed Against Maine’s 3-Day Waiting Period for Guns

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The state of Maine is being sued over its new 72-Hour waiting period to buy a gun.

The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and Gun Owners of Maine announced a lawsuit Tuesday, which was filed against state Attorney General Aaron Frey in federal court in Bangor.

The waiting period bill narrowly passed the state legislature earlier this year and went into effect without Governor Janet Mills’ signature.

The gun rights groups say the law violates the U.S. Constitution and could hurt the state’s economy, while supporters say it’ll help reduce gun violence.

Gov. Mills said she was “deeply conflicted” when she allowed the legislation to take effect without her signature. The law took effect on Aug. 9.

The plaintiffs listed on the lawsuit are Andrea Beckwith, owner of East Coast School of Safety; Rep. James Lee White, R-Guilford, and owner of J White Gunsmithing; Adam Hendsbee, owner of A&G Shooting; Thomas Cole, owner of TLC Gunsmithing; and Nancy Coshow of Bridgton.

In a statement, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine’s leader, David Trahan, said, “Responsible gun owners should never have to wait to exercise the right to defend themselves and their property, and the 72-Hour waiting period law is an affront to that right the likes of which has never been seen in our state.”

The lawsuit comes as gun safety groups are focused on their own priority.

The Maine Gun Safety Coalition says it’s collected 60,000 signatures to get a “red flag law” proposal before voters.

The coalition argues a red flag law could’ve prevented the Lewiston mass shooting last year while opponents say it would restrict Second Amendment and constitutional rights without offering due process.

The Red Flag Law would let families and police ask a court to temporarily remove a dangerous weapon from a family member in crisis.

The state’s current Yellow Flag law requires a mental health evaluation before a weapon can be taken from a person.

Latest Headlines

2 days ago in Olympics, Sports, Trending

The Milan Cortina Olympics will start with a four-site and two-cauldron opening ceremony

An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the Milan Cortina Games on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.

2 days ago in Features, Trending

3 fans. 60 Super Bowls. This might be their last time going to the big game

It just wouldn't feel like the Super Bowl for them if they weren't all there. And this might be the last time they all do it. That's what three old friends were coming to grips with just before this year's Super Bowl. The trio of octogenarians are the only fans left in the exclusive "never missed a Super Bowl" club.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Renters use ‘rent now, pay later’ services to manage monthly payments, but fees raise concerns

Rent can eat up an entire paycheck at the start of the month, so a growing number of renters are turning to a financial product that promises relief by letting them split the bill — for a price.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Not just pups this time: ‘Puppy Bowl’ embraces older dogs

This year, the Puppy Bowl isn't just about puppies. Older dogs are getting some attention, too. There will be a halftime showdown between Team Oldies and Team Goldies, offering a showcase for senior dogs as a reminder that they also need adoption and love.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Fans race to learn Spanish before Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

Bad Bunny is expected to perform the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday entirely in Spanish — which has inspired fans to quickly learn the language.