Newsom criticized Republicans right after Maine shooting, drawing backlash.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Criticizes Republicans for Rejecting Gun Waiting Period
Shortly after news broke of a deadly active shooter situation in Maine, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) took to social media to express his frustration with Republicans. He quoted a post from MSNBC, highlighting how Republicans in Maine had voted down a bill that would have implemented a waiting period for gun purchases.
“Republicans in Maine rejected a bill this year that would have required a waiting period for firearm purchases. They seriously could not fathom waiting 72 hours to buy a gun.”
Newsom emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent tragedies like this, stating that waiting for Congress is not enough. He even suggested amending the Constitution to address the issue.
However, the governor faced backlash from social media users who accused him of politicizing the shooting without knowing all the facts. State Sen. Eric Brakey of Androscoggin, Maine, where the shooting occurred, urged Newsom to refrain from exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
Furthermore, critics pointed out that Democrats have held control over both the Maine House and Senate for years, making it difficult for Republicans to enact significant legislative changes.
Maine currently does not require permits to carry guns, and a bill proposing a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases was rejected by a 24-11 vote in the Senate. Notably, several Democrats also voted against the bill.
While California has experienced 41 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, Maine has had only two, including the recent incident. It is worth noting that densely populated states like California and Texas tend to have higher numbers of mass shootings, but when considering the population size, they do not rank among the highest rates in the country.
Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) confirmed that at least 18 people were killed and 13 injured in the shootings that took place at two locations in Lewiston. The person of interest, Robert Card, a firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve, remains at large.
At approximately 6:56 p.m. EDT, the 911 communication center received a call reporting a male shooter at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley. Minutes later, another call alerted authorities to an “active shooter” at Schemengees Bar and Grille, located about 4 miles away.
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Are there any alternative or additional measures that can be implemented alongside waiting periods to further reduce gun violence and promote public safety
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Newsom criticized the Republicans for their lack of understanding and empathy towards implementing a waiting period for gun purchases. He emphasized how important it is to have a cooling-off period in order to prevent impulsive and potentially harmful decisions. The Governor’s remarks come amidst an ongoing debate about gun control in the United States.
The active shooter situation in Maine once again reignited discussions about gun laws and the urgent need for stricter regulations. While the incident itself is still under investigation, it has sparked a larger conversation about the accessibility and ease of obtaining firearms. Critics argue that without proper regulations and safeguards, incidents like these will continue to happen with alarming regularity.
A waiting period for gun purchases is a common sense measure that many states have already implemented. It allows for a brief pause between the decision to purchase a firearm and the actual acquisition, giving individuals time to reconsider their choice and potentially prevent impulsive actions. This waiting period also allows for a thorough background check to be conducted, ensuring that the individual purchasing the firearm is legally allowed to do so.
However, Republicans in Maine rejected this bill, highlighting a disconnect between public opinion and the stance of certain politicians. Newsom’s frustration with the Republican Party’s refusal to implement a waiting period reflects the larger debate about gun control and the need for bipartisan cooperation in finding effective solutions.
Opponents of waiting periods argue that they infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. They claim that responsible gun owners should not be subject to unnecessary delays when purchasing firearms for self-defense or other legitimate purposes. While this argument may hold some validity, it fails to address the larger issue of preventing impulsive decisions that may result in tragedy.
Waiting periods have proven to be effective in reducing violence and suicide rates. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, states with waiting periods experienced a 7-11% decrease in firearm homicides. Additionally, waiting periods have been associated with a decrease in suicide rates, a major public health concern.
It is essential to have comprehensive and sensible gun laws that prioritize public safety without unduly restricting citizens’ rights. Waiting periods, among othe
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