The most effective change to Maine’s gun control laws, to reduce fatalities, is obvious from the horrific circumstances of the Lewiston slaughter: A high-velocity rifle, the kind intended only for combat (not hunting or self-defense) was seen being carried by the suspect.

It is undisputed that these assault-style weapons cause by far the most lethal wounds and allow a gunman to shoot many people in a short period of time. Ban them now, in a special session of the Legislature called by Gov. Mills, and bring in a red flag law which would allow weapons to be taken away from people who represent a danger to themselves or others. Let’s start there.

Janice Cooper
State House representative, 2012-2020, Yarmouth, Chebeague Island, Long Island
Yarmouth