Judge Temporarily Blocks Maine Gun Law

A federal judge in Maine has temporarily halted a controversial 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, citing “indiscriminate dispossession.”

Quick Takes

U.S. District Court Justice Lance Walker granted preliminary injunctive relief against Maine’s 72-hour gun purchase waiting period law.
The law was enacted after a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where 18 people were killed.
Judge Walker criticized the law as “indiscriminate dispossession” and suggested it likely infringes on Second Amendment rights.
Gun rights advocates celebrated the ruling, while gun control groups urged an appeal, citing suicide prevention as a key reason for the waiting period.
The case highlights the ongoing national debate over balancing gun rights with public safety concerns.

Judge Halts Maine’s Gun Purchase Waiting Period

U.S. District Court Justice Lance Walker has temporarily blocked the implementation of Maine’s 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases. The law, which was part of a broader package of gun control measures enacted in response to a mass shooting in Lewiston, has been a source of contention since its passage. Judge Walker’s decision grants preliminary injunctive relief, suggesting that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their argument that the law infringes upon Second Amendment rights.

The waiting period law was challenged by gun dealers and a gun safety program operator on constitutional grounds. In his ruling, Judge Walker criticized the law, describing it as “indiscriminate dispossession, plain and simple.” This strong language indicates the judge’s skepticism about the law’s constitutionality and its potential impact on law-abiding gun owners.

Judge sides with gun advocates and pauses Maine gun law enacted in wake of Lewiston mass shooting https://t.co/6a6mMOWF3N

— The Independent (@Independent) February 13, 2025

Reactions and Implications

The decision has elicited strong reactions from both sides of the gun debate. Laura Whitcomb of Gun Owners of Maine expressed support for the ruling, arguing that the law infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners. On the other hand, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition criticized the decision and urged an appeal, emphasizing the law’s potential role in suicide prevention.

The case highlights the delicate balance between gun rights and public safety concerns. Proponents of the waiting period argue that it can provide a crucial cooling-off period, potentially preventing impulsive acts of violence or suicide. In fact, statistics show that in 2022, 87% of gun deaths in Maine were suicides, underscoring the complex relationship between firearm access and mental health issues.

Legal and Political Context

The waiting period law passed the Democratic-controlled Maine Senate by a single vote and became law without the governor’s signature, illustrating the contentious nature of gun legislation even in states with traditionally strong support for gun rights. The Attorney General’s office has defended the law, citing its potential to prevent suicides and save lives.

It’s worth noting that nine other states and Washington, D.C., have implemented waiting periods ranging from three to 14 days. The outcome of this case in Maine could have implications for similar laws across the country, potentially setting a precedent for how courts interpret the constitutionality of waiting periods in the context of the Second Amendment.

Looking Ahead

As the legal battle continues, both gun rights advocates and gun control supporters are closely watching the case. The decision to grant preliminary injunctive relief is just the first step in what could be a lengthy legal process. The ultimate resolution of this case may have far-reaching consequences for gun legislation not only in Maine but potentially across the United States, as courts continue to grapple with the balance between individual rights and public safety in the context of firearm regulations.