AUGUSTA - Forty-seven Maine legislators have signed on to two letters calling on Cabela's and the Kittery Trading Post to stop selling military-style, semi-automatic weapons, commonly referred to as assault rifles. The letters, which were spearheaded by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, were sent to leadership at each organization.
"The horrific mass shooting in Lewiston has shown all of us that Maine is not immune from the epidemic of gun violence that has been ravaging communities throughout our country," said Gramlich. "Each and every one of us has the responsibility to do more to prevent gun violence in our state. Halting the sale of these types of firearms is a simple, common-sense step that will greatly reduce the potential that these deadly weapons of war will be used to cause future harm. We are hopeful that Cabela's and the Kittery Trading Post will do the right thing and set an example of leadership for other outdoor retailers to follow."
Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, the House chair of the Legislature's Gun Safety Caucus, said that the Legislature is working to enact meaningful gun safety reform to strengthen laws and better protect Maine communities from gun violence in all forms.
"While this important work is ongoing, there are also common-sense steps that retailers can take like voluntarily ending the sale of military-style weapons intended for war that will have an immediate impact on reducing potential violence."
The release of the letter follows the revelation by the independent commission investigating the Lewiston shooting that the perpetrator, Robert Card, purchased one of his weapons, a handgun, at the Cabela's in Scarborough.
Both Gramlich and Doudera have led gun safety reform efforts in the Maine House of Representatives over the past several years, with each sponsoring successful legislation in the 130th Legislature. LD 1392, sponsored by Rep. Gramlich, required the Maine CDC to annually report on public health data concerning firearm fatalities and injuries. LD 759, sponsored by Rep. Doudera, has reduced child access to loaded firearms by enforcing the use of safe storage.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and third-term member of the Maine House. She is the House chair of the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Doudera is serving her third term in the Maine House and is a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee. She represents the towns of Camden and Rockport and co-chairs the Legislature's Gun Safety Caucus.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Gramlich, Doudera], 305-965-2744