A federal judge in Maine has denied the state’s request to temporarily restore a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases, which was enacted as part of gun safety reforms following a mass shooting in 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker sided with gun rights advocates who challenged the law, stating that the plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights would be harmed if the law was overturned. The Maine Attorney General’s office quickly appealed the decision to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. While the state argued that the waiting period saves lives by reducing suicides and homicides, Walker pointed to a Supreme Court decision that struck down a similar law in New York. Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of a waiting period, Walker emphasized the need to consider constitutional implications. The decision to pause the law, he stated, “may or may not result in a loss of life that could have been avoided by the enforcement of the Act.” The case highlights the ongoing debate between gun rights advocates and supporters of gun control measures in Maine and across the country. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals will ultimately decide the constitutionality of the waiting period, with potential implications for gun laws nationwide.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
