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Maine governor signs off on new gun laws, mental health supports in wake of Lewiston shootings
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed into law a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people and expanding mental health crisis care. The governor told lawmakers during her State of the State address that doing nothing was not an option after an Army reservist with an assault rifle killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston on Oct. 25. The bills drew opposition from Republicans who accused Democrats, who control both legislative chambers, of using the tragedy to advance proposals, some of which had been previously defeated. Mills said Friday the proposals would improve public safety while respecting the state’s long traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage. “This law represents important, meaningful progress, without trampling on anybody’s rights, and it will better protect public safety by implementing reasonable reforms and by significantly expanding mental health resources,” Mills said.
Fellow reservist warned of mass shooting before gunman’s attack in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — An Army reservist and friend of the gunman behind Maine’s deadliest mass shooting testified Thursday about his friend’s mental decline, describing publicly for the first time the warning he issued a month before the tragedy unfolded. Sean Hodgson texted leaders of his reserve...
Hundreds turn out for Lewiston vigil marking six months since mass shootings
Nearly 300 people turned out Thursday night at the Simard Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston to mark the six-month anniversary of the worst mass shootings in Maine history. The event opened with a song playing from loudspeakers in front of 18 empty chairs to represent the lives lost at a bowling alley and bar last October.
Song gives voice to Lewiston community still healing from mass shooting
LEWISTON, Maine — There have been countless tributes to those who lost their lives in the Lewiston mass shooting six months ago. Singer-songwriter Scott Folsom, who grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area, poured out his feelings about the tragedy in a poignant song released last month. "When It Comes"...
'I take responsibility for our agency:' County sheriff addresses Lewiston mass shooting
BATH (WGME) -- The current sheriff in Sagadahoc County is being challenged by one of his own deputies in the county sheriff's race. Both have been criticized for not taking steps that may have prevented the Lewiston mass shootings after the sheriff's office was warned twice about Robert Card. "I...
6 months after Maine shootings, commission continues investigation
MANCHESTER, N.H. — A commission set up to investigate the response to mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, met again Thursday, six months after 18 people were killed and 13 others injured. The gunman opened fire at a restaurant and bar on Oct. 25. The youngest victim was 14, and...
Pets killed in fire at Lewiston apartment building
LEWISTON (WGME) -- The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of an apartment building fire that killed several pets in Lewiston. Fire crews were called to an apartment building on Knox Street on Tuesday. When firefighters arrived, they saw flames and smokes coming from a first-floor apartment. The...
With more electric vehicles on the road, Maine firefighters train to better understand tech
BRUNSWICK, Maine — With the rise of green energy, firefighters in Maine are looking to get a step ahead of new technology on the roads with an offered class on how to extinguish fires caused by electric vehicles. Hosted by the Maine Fire Service Institute, dozens of firefighters from...
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