GIFFORDS celebrates passage of life-saving red flag ballot measure in Maine

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords released the following press release thanking Mainers for voting “Yes” on Question 2 and passing a true red flag law. The new law, also known as an extreme risk protection order, will 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.

“We were proud to support the grassroots campaign to pass this life-saving measure, which passed with a groundswell of support from Mainers across the state. Thank you to the survivors, advocates, mental health providers, members of law enforcement, and more who made this win a reality, especially our partners at the Maine Gun Safety Coalition,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “In the wake of the devastating mass shooting that took place in Lewiston two years ago, critical reforms like this one take on an even deeper importance. They show the families and communities affected that we won’t turn our backs on the problem and ignore the injustice of that day, when 18 people lost their lives. This new red flag law is an important step forward, and will protect families from the irreparable pain of violence and suicide.”

“Maine voters have spoken, and spoken loudly. Mainers support taking action to save lives from gun violence. I urge Governor Mills to listen to her voters and sign into law legislation on her desk that could protect Mainers from ghost guns, which are untraceable guns often used by criminals,” added Congresswoman Giffords. “Maine’s leaders should be doing everything possible to support law enforcement and protect their communities from criminal gun violence and this is no exception.”