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

20 hours ago in Local

Alabama man pleads not guilty to bomb threats at Bangor International Airport

24-year-old Robert Wicks allegedly sent a total of 107 messages to 2 American Airlines employees at the airport this past February, with some containing bomb threats.

2 days ago in Local

Renys Permanently Closes Portland Location a Day Early

Renys thanked customers for their support during 15 years at the Congress Street location.

2 days ago in Local

Maine Mariners Resume Play After Short Players’ Strike Ends

The strike was relatively short, with the Mariners postponing only three games

2 days ago in Local

K9 Track Leads to Major Drug Bust and Two Arrests in Fort Fairfield

A reported truck burglary in Fort Fairfield led to a significant drug and weapons seizure this week

2 days ago in Local

Four Hospitalized After Serious Rollover Crash in Buxton

A serious accident in Buxton has left four people injured, one critically, after a vehicle flipped on Haines Meadow Road Monday afternoon.