BANGOR, Maine — Maine gun rights groups are taking the state to court over a newly implemented 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, arguing the law violates the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
The Gun Owners of Maine and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine officially filed their federal lawsuit, backed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and represented by prominent Second Amendment attorneys from Clement & Murphy. This legal challenge aims to overturn what is decidedly an unconstitutional burden on the right to self-defense.
“Responsible gun owners should never have to wait to exercise the right to defend themselves and their property,” said the coalition in a statement, describing the law as an unprecedented restriction in Maine.
The 72-hour waiting period law, which passed in April, became effective on August 9 after Governor Janet Mills, despite expressing reservations, allowed it to take effect without her signature.
The lawsuit names six plaintiffs, including Rep. James White, a Republican gunsmith from Guilford, and Andrea Beckwith, a firearms instructor and domestic abuse survivor. According to the legal complaint, Beckwith now has to tell vulnerable clients seeking immediate protection that they will face a three-day wait to legally obtain a firearm.
“Three days could be life or death for someone in immediate danger,” the lawsuit states. “This waiting period does nothing to speed up or improve background checks. It simply forces lawful citizens to wait even if they pass the check within minutes, which most do.”
Maine lawmakers narrowly passed the waiting period law as a response to the tragic Lewiston shooting in October 2023. Advocates for the law argue that a “cooling-off period” can reduce impulsive acts, including suicides, which account for the majority of gun deaths in Maine. But gun rights advocates point to the lack of data supporting this claim.
Attorney General Aaron Frey, listed as the defendant, has yet to comment on the lawsuit. However, a citizen-led effort is gathering support for additional gun restrictions, including a potential red flag law allowing family members to request a court order to restrict firearm access for individuals deemed dangerous.
Similar waiting periods and challenges are emerging in states across the country. Once proven unjust, the outcome will have significant implications for Maine and Second Amendment rights nationwide.
They passed a edict that is unconstitutional ,and could cost people their lives the people that voted for this should be sued INDIVIDUALLY
If one single person is killed during the “waiting period” after they make a gun purchase, ALL the legislators who enacted that law should be arrested for violating Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242 and, as per that Code, be sentenced upon their conviction to death.
It used to be just up to Portland was “Boston,North” now ,it seems, it has become the whole state. What a shame, it was a great state.
Any lawmaker in Maine who voted for this crap should have to wait 3 days for thier pat check so the people of Maine can determine if they earned it and deserve to be paid .
Better yet, make being a “lawmaker” a strictly voluntary position. No pay at all.
IMOA, everyone waiting should request that an armed protection team be assigned to them and their family for the 72 hours while you’re waiting for these buffoons to clear your request for a firearm.
It’s nice to see some 2A groups fighting this.
Funny how “the nations oldest civil rights group”, Negotiating Rights Away is as usual, MIA. Oh yeah, gotta pay that anti gun nut lawyer Brewer, instead of defending 2A.