Gabby Giffords remembers the Lewiston, Maine, shooting two years later

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement remembering the lives lost during the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that took place two years ago tomorrow. Eighteen people were killed and 13 were wounded in the attack.

“Two years ago, Maine was devastated by a mass shooting in Lewiston that has left a permanent mark on the state. Mainers should have been able to enjoy a simple, safe evening at a bowling alley and a local restaurant in Lewiston. Instead, 18 people died and more than a dozen were wounded because a dangerous person had a gun,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “Today, my heart is with the victims and their families. Maine has made progress in the two years since that day, but there’s more to do—including Governor Mills signing the legislation on her desk protecting the state from ghost guns. It’s past time for leaders in Maine and across the country to act decisively and protect communities.”

In 2024, Maine passed strong gun safety legislation including a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases and expanded background checks, but there is still critical work to be done. Maine lawmakers also passed LD 1126 in 2025, a bill that requires all firearms to have serial numbers and will help stop the spread of dangerous ghost guns. This bill remains on Governor Mills’ desk, and the Governor should sign this lifesaving bill at the first opportunity when the legislature next reconvenes.

Additionally, on November 4, Mainers will have the opportunity to enact a true red flag law by voting YES on Question 2. The new measure, also known as an extreme risk protection order, would work alongside Maine’s existing yellow flag law to allow family and household members to go directly to courts to temporarily remove firearms from a loved one who is a danger to themselves or others.