LEWISTON — Weapons weren’t allowed inside the Androscoggin Bank Colisee before a law change let Maine residents carry concealed handguns without permits — and weapons still aren’t — but management has decided to be extra clear. “We hadn’t had any signage, but we do now,” Operations Manager Mike Cain said. The large sign on a […]
guns
Portland police chief says gun law change puts citizens, cops in danger
PORTLAND — The police chief for Maine’s largest city said Wednesday that a change in state law allowing residents to carry concealed handguns without permits in public will make the state a more dangerous place. “When this legislation goes into effect tomorrow — police officers and sheriffs around the state — their lives will be in […]
Sen. Angus King calls for stricter federal firearm laws
AUGUSTA — The day a Maine group touted its new online gun-safety training program, U.S. Sen. Angus King took the floor of the Senate to call for stricter federal firearms regulations. Both events took place a week ahead of a new law going into effect in Maine that will remove the requirement that those who […]
Maine group and national coalition call for stricter gun laws
LEWISTON — A group hoping to bring a statewide ballot question to voters in 2016 to require federal background checks on all gun sales in Maine is joining similar organizations across the country in urging Congress to tighten gun laws. Emma Connor, director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, said Friday her organization is concerned […]
Newport man sentenced for stealing guns in Franklin County
FARMINGTON — A Newport man was sentenced Tuesday to serve five years with all but 30 days suspended for stealing 11 guns from a Salem Township residence on Nov. 13, 2014, according to court documents. David A. Ireland, 53, formerly of Corinna, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer […]
Wal-Mart to stop selling AR-15s and similar weapons
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Wal-Mart will stop selling the AR-15 rifle and other semi-automatic weapons at its stores because fewer people are buying them, a spokesman said Wednesday. The AR-15 rifles and other modern sporting rifles were being sold at less than a third of the company’s 4,600 U.S. stores. Company spokesman Kory Lundberg […]
Maine group seeks petition for 2016 gun background check ballot question
AUGUSTA — A group hoping to require criminal background checks for all gun sales in Maine has taken the first step toward launching a petition drive for a statewide ballot question in 2016. Maine Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Fund submitted an application for a petition to collect signatures to the Maine Secretary of […]
Handgun sales spike in advance of Maine permit change
AUBURN — An upcoming change in Maine law that allows adults to carry a concealed handgun without a permit is triggering a spike in gun sales at some local shops. John Reid, owner of J.T. Reid’s Gun Shop in Auburn, said Tuesday that sales of handguns are up and he’s ordered more firearms to keep […]
Immune to the horror?
The following facts about the 21st century are closely connected: • Almost every day, innocent people lose their lives to gun violence; • The United States has the highest per-capita rate of gun ownership of any developed nation; • Legislators, the National Rifle Association and other gun-huggers have misinterpreted the Second Amendment (which was intended […]
Maine makes little headway in reporting mental health concerns to federal gun database
LEWISTON — Since 2011, the number of mental health records reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System has increased dramatically, helping block the sale of firearms to people with serious mental health concerns. But many states, including Maine, have failed to significantly change their laws to require more reporting to NICS. And now, some […]